Rule 4

Section 1:

Starting a Game

Article 1...

     The Home Team coach or a tournament official charged with that duty of the Head Umpire shall decide if the grounds and other conditions are suitable for starting the game. After the game has started, the Umpire and other game officials are sole judges as to whether conditions are fit for continued play, or whether conditions are suitable for starting a second game on that field in a double - header or tournament series.

Article 2...

     If there are unusual conditions, such as spectators or obstacles on or too near the playing field, the home team coach or tournament officials shall propose special Ground Rules. If sanctioned by the Visiting Team, these rules shall be in effect for the duration of that game and subsequent games played on that field on the same day with the same teams. If the teams cannot agree, the Umpire(s) and other tournament officials shall formulate ground rules. All special rules shall be announced.

Article 3...

     Before Game Time, the home team and the visiting team shall deliver their respective batting orders in duplicate to the Head Umpire. The head umpire shall then permit inspection by both captains and / or coaches. At this time, the regulations governing substitution (Rule 3 Article 1) shall go into effect.

Article 4...

     The Visiting team shall be the first to take its turn at bat. On a neutral field or by agreement, either team may be designated as Home team.

Article 5...

     The Game begins when the Umpire calls “Play” at the scheduled game time, but not prior to 30 minutes from the conclusion of either team’s previous game without the consent of that team(s) coach / captain.

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