Rules

Western Canada Baseball Association Rule Book

Printable PDF Version of Rulebook

Table of Contents

Section 1 – Game Play Rules

• Section 1.1 – Length of Game & Extra Innings

• Section 1.2 – Mercy Rule

• Section 1.3 – Suspended Games

• Section 1.4 – Major Disruptions Due to Weather

• Section 1.5 – Lineups

• Section 1.6 – Pitch Count

• Section 1.7 – Protests

• Section 1.8 – Bat Rules

• Section 1.9 – Compression Sleeves

• Section 1.10 – Travesty of the Game

• Section 1.11 – Dugouts

Section 2 – Game Procedures & Scheduling

• Section 2.1 – Tiebreaking Rules

• Section 2.2 – Tiebreaker Games

• Section 2.3 – Pre-Game

• Section 2.4 – Post-Game

• Section 2.5 – Home Team Designation

Section 3.0 – Safety Rules

• Section 3.1 – Headgear

• Section 3.2 – Catchers

• Section 3.3 – Spikes

• Section 3.4 – Contact

Section 4.0 – Conduct & Discipline

• Section 4.1 – Code of Conduct

• Section 4.2 – Discipline Process

• Section 4.3 – Communication with Umpires

Section 5.0 – Eligibility Rules

• Section 5.1 – Athletes

• Section 5.2 – Roster Size

• Section 5.3 – Coaches

Section 6.0 – Responsibilities

• Section 6.1 – PSO Responsibilities

• Section 6.2 – Host Club Responsibilities

• Section 6.3 – Participating Team Responsibilities

• Section 6.4 – WCBA Responsibilities

• Section 6.5 – WCBA Representative Responsibilities

• Section 6.6 – WCBA Competitions Coordinator

Section 7 – Pre-Championship Meeting

Section 1 – Game Play Rules

Section 1.1 – Length of Game & Extra Innings

All games are 7 innings (6 1/2 if the home team is winning).

There are no tie games. In the round robin, tie games will be settled using the extra inning procedure described in Baseball Canada Rule 5.10. This does not apply to Senior Men’s.

Rule 5.10 does not apply to semi-final or medal round games.

Section 1.2 – Mercy Rule

Baseball Canada Rule 5.7 shall apply.

Section 1.3 – Suspended Games

Baseball Canada Rule 5.6 applies.

WCBA Exception: The gold medal game can be shortened due to weather or darkness, with five innings constituting a complete game.

Section 1.4 – Major Disruptions Due to Weather

Given that the WCBA does not utilize a Monday rain day, the WCBA Representative, in consultation with the Competition Coordinator and/or Secretary, may make changes to the published draw in order to complete the Championship. This may include cancelling games that do not impact the standings, reducing games to five innings, or revising the format.

Section 1.5 – Lineups

a) Designated Hitter
Baseball Canada Rule 5.2 applies. 18U and higher.

b) Extra Hitter
Used only at 13U, 15U, and 14U Girls. Baseball Canada Rule 5.3 applies.

c) Re-Entry
Used only at 13U, 15U, and 14U Girls. Baseball Canada Rule 5.11 applies.

WCBA Exception #1: The allowance for re-entry due to an injury, as described in Baseball Canada Rule 5.11, applies to all Championships, including 18U and Senior Men’s.

WCBA Exception #2: WCBA will allow a team to improperly re-enter a player due to an ejection, which otherwise would cause a forfeit. This applies to all Championships. The opposing Manager chooses the player to be re-entered. This rule can only be used once per game by each team.

d) Designated Runners
Baseball Canada Rule 5.4 applies.

Section 1.6 – Pitch Count

Baseball Canada Rule 4.4 applies to all Championships.

WCBA Exception: The penalty detailed in Rule 4.4 N, relating to games being forfeited at 18U and Senior Men’s, does not apply. WCBA games will never be forfeited due to a pitching violation.

Section 1.7 – Protests

Baseball Canada Rule 3.14 will apply except that the protest fee will be $200.

WCBA Exception: The WCBA Representative shall rule on all protests, in consultation with the Umpire Supervisor. The WCBA Representative may contact the Secretary or Competitions Coordinator for guidance.

Section 1.8 – Bat Rules

a) Baseball Canada Rule 5.12 shall apply to bats. 14U Girls will use the 13U bat rules.

WCBA Exception: 15U AA – The 13U bat rule will apply except the maximum weight-to-length differential will be minus five.

WCBA Flag: 18U AA is a wood bat Championship.

Section 1.9 – Compression Sleeves

Baseball Canada Rule 5.1 applies.

Section 1.10 – Travesty of the Game

Baseball Canada Rule 2.5 applies.

Section 1.11 – Dugouts

Baseball Canada Rule 3.4 applies.

Section 2 – Game Procedures & Scheduling

Section 2.1 – Tiebreaking Rules

Baseball Canada Rule 3.6 will apply.

Section 2.2 – Tiebreaker Games

Tiebreaker games will only be played in a five-team Championship when three teams are tied with a 3-1 record. The tiebreaker rule will be used to rank the teams 1-2-3. Team 1 will advance to the final. Teams 2 and 3 will play a tiebreaker game with Team 2 having the choice of home team.

All tiebreaker games will be scheduled for 3 innings. The extra inning procedure will be implemented starting in the 4th inning.

Section 2.3 – Pre-Game

a) Baseball Canada Rule 3.4 applies to dugouts.
b) Baseball Canada Rule 3.8 applies to team arrival time.
c) Baseball Canada Rule 3.9 applies to infield and outfield warmup.
d) Baseball Canada Rule 3.10 applies to communication related to start times.
e) Baseball Canada Rule 3.11 applies to the submission of lineups.
f) Baseball Canada Rule 3.12 applies to communication related to the starting pitcher.

Section 2.4 – Post-Game

a) Baseball Canada Rule 3.13 applies to post-game procedures.
b) Baseball Canada Rule 3.7 applies to time between games.
c) The official scorekeeper must review pitch counts with both Managers, who must sign the pitch count form and scoresheet.

Section 2.5 – Home Team Designation

The home team is designated on the schedule. In the Championship Final, the 1st place team from the round robin has choice of home team.

Section 3.0 – Safety Rules

Section 3.1 – Headgear

Baseball Canada Rule 4.1 applies.

Section 3.2 – Catchers

Baseball Canada Rule 4.2 applies.

Section 3.3 – Spikes

Baseball Canada Rule 4.3 applies.

Metal spikes are not permitted at 14U Girls.

Section 3.4 – Contact

Baseball Canada Rule 5.9 applies.

Section 4.0 – Conduct & Discipline

Section 4.1 – Code of Conduct

a) All participants are subject to both their provincial Code of Conduct and the WCBA Code of Conduct. The WCBA will adopt Baseball Canada’s Code of Conduct for their Championships:
https://baseball.ca/uploads/files/National%20Code%20of%20Conduct%20.pdf

b) Baseball Canada’s tobacco policy applies per Rule 2.4.

c) Players and coaches may not consume alcohol within the beer garden while in uniform.

Section 4.2 – Discipline Process & Sanctions

Baseball Canada’s discipline process, as described in Rule 3.15, will apply and will be implemented by the WCBA Representative.

WCBA Exception: Rule 3.15 E and Rule 3.16 do not apply.

Section 4.3 – Coach Communication with Umpires

All communication with umpires is expected to be respectful.

Only the Head Coach may approach an umpire to discuss a call.

Coaches are not permitted to argue judgment calls or balls/strikes. Coaches who do so shall be warned and/or ejected.

Coaches may approach an umpire respectfully on a judgment call to ask that the umpire consult their crew. For example, if the base umpire called a runner out but the offensive Head Coach felt that the first baseman’s foot was off the base, the Head Coach may approach the base umpire and say, “I have his foot off the base. Can you check with the plate umpire?” The umpire is not obligated to ask for help. There shall be no further discussion about the play if the crew decides to consult.

Section 5.0 – Eligibility Rules

Section 5.1 – Athletes

Baseball Canada Rule 1.2 A applies to amateur status requirements and reinstatement. References to a Baseball Canada approval and form are changed to WCBA.

Baseball Canada Rule 1.2 B applies to Canadian citizen requirements.

Baseball Canada Rule 1.2 C (i-iv) applies to provincial registration requirements.

Baseball Canada Rule 1.2 D applies to age, except that no overage players are permitted, except that female athletes have an extra year of eligibility.

Two neighboring provinces may agree to allow a provincial transfer due to accessibility of local baseball programs. For example, a Manitoba player who lives 20 km from the Saskatchewan border may be 200 km from a baseball program within their own province.

Players can only participate in one WCBA event per year except that Senior teams may pick up players who have played in the 22U Championship in the current year.

Section 5.2 – Roster Size

Each roster can contain a maximum of 18 players and four coaches except for Senior, which can include 21 players, and 22U, which can have 20 players.

Trainers are not permitted on the bench but may enter the field in the event of an injury. The trainer may not be in uniform and is not allowed to coach players.

Bat kids are allowed on the bench and must wear a helmet at all times.

Section 5.3 – Coaches

a) Baseball Canada Rule 1.3 E applies to minimum coaching age.
b) Coaches can only be on one roster in any Championship.
c) Coaches must possess the following certification to be eligible:

Required Courses
With the exception of Senior, all coaches require the following courses:

• Coach Initiation in Sport Online Module

• Coach Initiation in Baseball Online Module

• Pitching and Catching Clinic

• Absolutes Clinic

• Teaching and Learning Clinic

• Planning Clinic

• Safe Sport Training

With the exception of Senior, all Head Coaches require the following courses:

• Online Portfolio Tasks & Evaluation

• Practice Evaluation

• Making Ethical Decisions Online Evaluation

Coaches at 15U AAA and 18U AAA also require the following courses:

• Strategies Clinic

• New Skills Clinic

Head Coaches at 15U AAA and 18U AAA also require the following course:

• Game Evaluation

A coach who does not possess the mandatory certification will not be eligible to participate in the Championship and will be deleted from the team’s roster.

Section 6.0 – Responsibilities

Section 6.1 – PSO Responsibilities

a) To determine the Host Club for each Championship to be hosted within their province by April 1.
b) To name a WCBA Representative by July 1, whose name and contact information must be provided to the Competitions Coordinator and Secretary.
c) The PSO is responsible for assigning an Umpire Supervisor to each Championship hosted within their province. The Umpire Supervisor’s name and contact information is to be provided to the WCBA Competitions Coordinator by July 1. The Umpire Supervisor is expected to participate in a training session on WCBA competition procedures and rules.
d) To assign umpires to each Championship hosted within their province. 22U and Senior require three umpires on all games. All umpires must hold Level 2 certification. At AAA Championships, one umpire on the field must hold Level 3 certification. 14U Girls, 22U, and Senior are considered AAA Championships.
e) The PSO is responsible for reviewing Section 6.2 of this Handbook with the Host Club.
f) To advise WCBA by March 1 if they are unable to host a Championship. Any PSO that withdraws from hosting after May 1 shall be fined $500. A PSO unable to host loses its place in the hosting rotation.
g) To confirm participation in Championships by May 1. Any PSO withdrawing from an event after May 1 shall be fined $1,000. This date is extended to July 1 at 22U.
h) Pay their provincial membership fee of $50 by April 1.
i) Pay their team registration of $350 by April 1. Does not apply to Host team.
j) Notify the WCBA if they are unable to host a Championship by February 15.
k) Submit team rosters within three days of the Championship to the Competitions Coordinator. The Competitions Coordinator will create a master package of rosters for each event and will distribute them to the provinces, WCBA Representatives, and the Secretary/Treasurer. Failure to submit rosters on time will result in a $500 fine. Rosters approved by a PSO are not subject to protest. Roster changes can only be made prior to the Championship through the PSO.
l) Ensure the Host uses Rawlings brand ROMC or ROML baseballs at 18U, 22U, and Senior, and a minimum of an 80CC standard at 15U and under.

Section 6.2 – Host Club Responsibilities

a) To provide an adequate playing field compliant with the dimensions contained in Baseball Canada Rule 3.13 and to have access to a backup field should it be required due to weather, unless otherwise approved by the Hosting PSO.
b) To name a Host Chairperson by April 1, whose name and contact information must be provided to the Competitions Coordinator. The Host Chairperson may not be on a team roster.
c) To produce a Championship program. The program must include a standalone WCBA logo on the front cover, not morphed with other logos, and a message from the WCBA President. The 15U AAA program must include a picture of and a message about Art Berard.
d) To display the WCBA flag, which the Host may keep at the conclusion of the Championship.
e) It is recommended that the Host display the four provincial flags and the Canadian flag.
f) To organize an Opening Ceremony on the Friday of the Championship, which all teams are required to attend and be on the field. The WCBA Representative must be provided the opportunity to speak. O Canada shall be played or sung.
g) To organize a closing medal ceremony involving only the teams who have won medals. The WCBA Representative shall make the medal presentations with the Host Chairperson.
h) To block book 15 hotel rooms per team with two double beds. At 22U and Senior, only 7 rooms are required.
i) To provide transportation (50 cents/km), accommodation (motel or hotel), and a $50/day meal allowance for the WCBA Representative, unless otherwise determined by their PSO.
j) To pay for umpires, including travel and accommodation, unless otherwise determined by their PSO.
k) A host may charge teams an advanced $500 gate fee for the weekend. If this is done, no other admission fees are permitted. If a host does not charge an advanced gate fee to the team, the host may have a gate fee not to exceed $35 per person for the Championship.
l) To provide a location for a pre-Championship meeting, if requested by the WCBA. The meeting may be held online in advance of the Championship.
m) To refer to the Championship as the “Western Canada Baseball Championship.” The use of the word “Canadian” is not permitted.
n) Have the option to organize a beer garden at any event, in compliance with all local and provincial laws.
o) To provide one jug of water per team, with individual cups.
p) To ensure the safety of the playing area including but not limited to repairing exposed points on fences, ensuring bases are secured safely, and filling holes or low spots on the dirt or grass.
q) To have a grounds crew responsible for the preparation of fields including repairing the mound, home plate area, lining the field, and watering the field if necessary.
r) Having a garbage can in or near the dugouts.
s) Ensuring an outfield boundary fence at the proper dimensions. A snow fence is not permitted.
t) Having diamond dry or a similar product available in case of weather.
u) Ensuring player and coach safety in batting cages or during on-field batting practice, including the availability of L screens.
v) To have basic first aid supplies available.
w) To have an Emergency Action Plan posted, which will be created in consultation with the Competitions Coordinator prior to the Championship.
x) To post the schedule in a prominent location. Scores must be updated on the schedule and online after each game.
y) To post the pitch count records in a public location, which must be updated after each game.
z) To assign an official scorekeeper and pitch count tracker to each game.
aa) To provide the WCBA Representative with a list of park ground rules.
bb) At the option of the host, other awards such as game and tournament MVPs.

Section 6.3 – Participating Team Responsibilities

a) Cost of travel to and from the Championship.
b) Cost of accommodation.
c) Meals.
d) To ensure compliance with the applicable Code of Conduct.
e) To ensure coaches and managers wear the required uniform. Fine is $50 per violation.
f) To complete all games in the Championship. Failure to do so will result in a $750 fine.
g) Cooperate with the host by providing players’ histories, stats, and team photos.
h) Participate in Opening Ceremonies in proper dress.
i) Teams will be fined for any property damage caused while attending a Championship.

Section 6.4 – WCBA Responsibilities

a) To provide a WCBA keeper flag to the host.
b) To provide medals to the Host. 22 gold and silver medals will be provided for each Championship, in addition to 22 bronze medals at 13U AAA and 14U Girls. 25 gold and silver medals will be provided at Senior.
c) To set the Championship schedule in consultation with the provinces and host.
d) To provide training to the WCBA Representative and Umpire Supervisor.
e) Hold an AGM in Canada by February 1 each year.
f) Provide the host PSO $500 for baseballs at each event.

Section 6.5 – WCBA Representative Responsibilities

a) To approve the host’s ground rules, in consultation with the Umpire Supervisor, and to communicate these to the teams.
b) To perform a field safety inspection.
c) To ensure a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment is created for all participants.
d) To rule on all disciplinary matters.
e) To rule on all protests.
f) To oversee pitch count tracking.
g) To make schedule changes as a result of weather or other cases in consultation with the Competitions Coordinator and Secretary/Treasurer.
h) To submit a report to the Secretary and Competitions Coordinator by September 15.
i) To ensure scores are updated by the Host.

Section 6.6 – WCBA Competitions Coordinator

a) To lead the process of creating Championship schedules, in consultation with the Secretary.
b) To provide training to WCBA Representatives and Umpire Supervisors.
c) To host a pre-Championship meeting via Zoom for all teams. See agenda below.
d) To collect and circulate rosters.

Section 7 – Pre-Championship Meeting

The pre-Championship meeting shall be held online at a time and date determined by the WCBA.

The Competitions Coordinator shall set the agenda for the meeting. The agenda must include:

a) A review of schedules and weather contingency plans.
b) A review of significant rules and regulations.
c) A review of conduct expectations and discipline procedures.
d) A review of pitch count rules and tracking procedures.
e) An opportunity for individuals to ask questions.

The meeting shall be recorded and circulated to anyone not able to attend.