East York Baseball Association
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 East York Baseball Association House League 13U Rules
(Updated: April 2026)

Spirit

The guiding philosophy of the 13U division is to further develop each player’s knowledge and skills in the game. At this level, both the pitching distance and the base paths increase, and it is the second division in which players face live pitching from their peers. While win-loss records and league standings are maintained, individual statistics such as batting averages and fielding stats are not tracked.

End-of-season round-robin play will determine which teams advance to the consolation games, semi-finals, and finals, all of which are played on Closing Day. All teams will participate on both Opening Day and Closing Day. Coaches and parents are expected to promote a positive, instructional approach with their own team and to refrain from negative comments about opposing teams.

The primary objective is for players to have fun while building on the fundamentals learned in 11U and to continue developing pitching skills if they choose. The league is not intended to place players under intense competitive pressure. Instead, it focuses on teaching the fundamentals of baseball while emphasizing sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play. Enjoyment of the game should always remain the top priority.

Game Composition

13U games feature live pitching by players. Games do not have a fixed number of innings. No new inning may begin after 8:15 p.m., with an 8:30 p.m. hard curfew.

Tied games are permitted, except during playoffs, semi-finals, and finals. If a game is called due to rain or lightning, a minimum of three (3) completed innings is required for the game to be considered official.

In August, due to reduced daylight and for player safety, games begin at 6:15 p.m. A 15-minute grace period may be granted, and the official start time must be recorded. No new inning may begin after 1 hour and 45 minutes from the recorded start time, with a hard curfew at 2 hours.

Expectations

Children develop at different rates, and this may be a player’s first experience not only with baseball, but with any organized team sport. This is completely normal.

By the time players reach the 15U/18U level, most will be able to:

  • Catch and throw the ball with proficiency, accuracy, and over longer distances
  • Field both ground balls and fly balls, and understand what play to make once the ball is fielded
  • Hit consistently
  • Run the bases with skill and awareness
  • Play all positions, including pitcher if they choose
  • Set up defensively based on runners, outs, the batter, and the count
  • Understand where to be and what to do when the play is not directly involving them
 

Rain Policy

The City of Toronto determines when fields are open or closed and whether games can be played. We will make every effort to update the website and Twitter account in a timely manner. Each team is also encouraged to have a team manager or communicator who can share updates with players and families.

If you have not received communication from the league or your team’s coach, and there are no updates on the website or Twitter, you should assume the game is on. Please note that weather conditions can vary across the city—rain in one area does not necessarily mean it is raining at the park.


Equipment

Uniforms: Uniforms shall consist of a league cap, team jersey, baseball pants and socks. A player must be in full uniform to play. Any sweatshirts or turtlenecks must be worn under the player's jersey. No jackets will be permitted while a player is batting, running or playing in the field.  Shirts must be tucked in at all times.

Balls: A 65cc baseball will be used for all games. This is the official Baseball Canada approved baseball, specifically designed for competitive youth play at this age group and standard ball used for sanctioned games across Canada.

Bats: Both wood and metal bats with safety grips are legal but metal is preferred as they do not splinter or break.

Batting Helmets: Players are required to each have their own personal helmet. Chin-straps must be worn at all times. A helmet must be worn for all base runners (3), a batter (1), and an on-deck batter (1).

Gloves: Any type of baseball glove may be used.

Shoes: Shoes with metal cleats and sandals are prohibited. Non-metal cleats are permitted, however are not required. Running shoes are acceptable. The use of soccer shoes is discouraged as they are designed for use on grass and most of the running in baseball will be done on sand, clay or gravel infields. Players wearing prohibited footwear will not be allowed to play until such footwear is changed to be acceptable. This is a safety issue.

Athletic Support and Cup: An athletic support and cup are mandatory for all players.
 
General Rules
 
  1. A regulation game has no maximum number of innings. On games called due to rain or lightning or curfew, three (3) full innings is the minimum number of innings required to constitute an official game.
  2. The minimum number of players required to play a game is eight (8).  If this number cannot be fielded at game time, the game will be forfeited.  In such a situation, it is recommended that the other team lend some of their players to the opposing team.
  3. Forfeits: If a team forfeits, the forfeit will be recorded as a 5-0 win for the non-forfeiting team. If both teams forfeit, it will be recorded as a 0-0. Games will be recorded as having 1 defensive inning.
  4. The umpire will ensure that the game starts on time.  Games are to start at 6:30pm. There is a 15-minute grace period, after which, if the game cannot start, a default will be declared. (In August the start time is adjusted to 6:15pm.) Same grace period applies.
  5. After the first inning, a pitcher is allowed 5 (five) warm up throws. If a new pitcher comes into the game, he or she is allowed six warm up throws.
  6. A pitcher may only pitch 2 innings per game, and these innings must be consecutive.  Pitching any part of an inning constitutes 1 inning. 
  7. A catcher may only catch a maximum of 3 innings per game; they do not have to be consecutive. Catching any part of an inning constitutes 1 inning.
  8. In addition to Rules 6 & 7, no player may PITCH OR CATCH MORE THAN A COMBINED 3 INNINGS PER GAME / PER DAY and the pitching innings must be consecutive. This rule is meant for safety and to ensure that kids do not end up with serious elbow injuries as a result of too many throws and multiple warming and cooling sessions.
    • Example 1 - Pitch 2 innings or Catch 3 innings in Game 1 = No longer available to pitch or catch in Game 2
    • Example 2 - Pitch 1 inning and catch 2 innings in Game 1 = No longer available to pitch or catch in Game 2
    • Example 3 – Pitch 2 innings and catch 1 inning in Game 1 = No longer available to pitch or catch in Game 2 
    • Example 4 – Pitch 1 inning and catch 1 inning in Game 1 = Able to catch 1 inning in Game 2, not able to pitch as it has to be consecutive.
    • Example 5 - Pitch 1 inning in Game 1 = Able to catch 2 innings in Game 2, not able to pitch as it has to be consecutive.
    • Example 6 – Catch 2 innings in Game 1 = Able to pitch or catch 1 inning in Game 2
    • Example 7 - Catch 1 inning in Game 1 = Able to pitch 2 or catch 2 innings, or 1 and 1 in Game 2
    • Example 8 - No pitching or catching in Game 1 = Able to Pitch 2 or Catch 3 innings, or pitch 1 and catch 2, or less in Game 2.
  9. Any pitcher who hits a batter with a pitched ball twice during the same game will be removed from the mound.  The player may still play in the field but may not be placed in the pitcher position for the remainder of the game.
  10. All players must bat in turn for the entire game. (One batting order).
  11. The playing positions and number of innings shall be as follows:
    • All players must play at least two (2) infield positions and at least one (1) outfield position per five (5) inning game.  Which positions each player plays is at the discretion of the coach.
    • No player will sit out two innings in a row.
    • No players will sit twice before all other players on the team have sat once.
    • During the last inning, a coach can play any of his players in any fielding position he chooses. A pitcher who has already pitched two innings may not be brought back in the final inning as a pitcher but may field another position.
  12. In any one inning you may not score more than five runs except possibly the last inning 
  13. If the "no new inning" time is reached in the top half of the inning, then the inning will be declared an open inning. If the "no new inning" time is reached in the bottom of the inning, then the inning will not be an open inning.
  14. Base stealing will be as baseball rules. 
  15. If a runner comes home in any situation and does not make an attempt to slide when there is a play at the plate, he/she may be called out.  This will be at the Umpires discretion as to whether an attempt by the runner was made to slide.  As well, if there is no play at the plate, the catcher will not block the plate to the runner.
  16. If a player has to leave the game because of injury, sickness or ejection and the roster falls below the numbers required to start a game, the game will be defaulted.  Rather than terminate the game, the other team should “loan” the team a player so that that the game can be completed.  At no time can an ejected player be re-inserted into the game.
  17. If you know ahead of time that you will be short players, you may call up an approved player from next lower division.  This player should possess enough ability that he/she will not get hurt or slow the game down.  All players called up from a lower division will be played under the same rules and regulations as the regular players.  All call-ups should be co-ordinated through the Convenor of both divisions, or if necessary, the Vice President of House League. 
  18. If player(s) are brought up for a game from lower division, they must be played and under the same rules and regulations as the coach’s regular players.  If it turns out that the coach already has a full team of regular players, the above statement still holds true.
  19. Players and coaches of both teams must be in the dugout five minutes prior to the start of the game. The umpire will advise the time.
  20. Rosters for both teams should be exchanged 10 minutes prior to the start of the game. The home team’s score sheet will be considered the official sheet.  It is the visiting team’s responsibility to verify the score prior to the score sheet being handed in to the umpires. It is the responsibility of both teams to email or text the score to eybascores@gmail.com.
  21. If a batted ball touches a player on another diamond or a spectator, the ball is ruled dead. The umpire will then judge what base the batter is entitled to reach.
  22. If there are two out with the catcher on base, a runner may be substituted for the catcher. The runner will be the previous out.
  23. Protests must be lodged at the game with the plate umpire at the moment of the presumed infraction. A period of forty-eight hours will be allowed to give written protest. A $25.00 fee must be accompanied with the written protest.  Written protests are to be filed with the Vice-President of House League.
  24. There is no food allowed in the dugouts.  Drinks (water and sport drinks) are allowed.  All food must be consumed off the field of play.  It is expected that the teams, at the end of the games will clean up all garbage.  The coaching staff will enforce this.
  25. All players on both teams not participating in actual play must remain in the dugouts with the following exceptions:
    • Relief pitchers and catchers may warm up behind their own screen. Catchers MUST wear a catching mask even in warm-up. This is mandatory for Players and Coaches.
    • The batter on deck may take his or her proper position.
    • Player has asked permission from the coach to leave dugout.
  26. All accidents, however minor, must be reported to the Convenor and/or a member of the EYBA executive.  There are emergency supplies available at the snack bar, as well as ice packs.
  27. Umpires will be in total control of the game and will have the final say on any interpretation of the rules.  No player, coach or spectator will put pressure on the umpire to influence any judgement call.
  28. Abuse, verbal or physical of umpires by players or coaches will not be tolerated.  The umpires will remove said violator(s) from the game.  Violators may be subject to further disciplinary action.
  29. Parents or spectators will not be allowed to verbally or physically abuse any player, coach or umpire.  The Convenor and/or the VP of House League will intervene.
  30. The scorekeeper will inform the umpire when five runs have scored to end an inning (except the last inning). The final play must be completed and the ball in the pitcher’s hand before the scorekeeper announces that five runs have scored.
  31. Should any pitched ball pass through or lodge in the screen, all runners may advance one base.
  32. The dead ball line shall be in line with the screens on both first and third base.  Any ball that lands fair but rolls into the dead ball zone will be declared a ground rule double.
  33. Any hit ball that rolls over the path on diamond 2, will be declared a ground rule triple.  Any ball that clears this path will be declared a home run.
  34. A ball thrown into the dead ball area will allow runners to advance one base.
  35. All batters and base runners must wear batting helmets with straps attached (this includes the on-deck batter). If a player while in play removes the batting helmet or undoes the strap, the Umpire will call the player who was in the wrong, out.
  36. In the event that both teams have more than 9 players, either or both teams may play an additional player in the outfield. The maximum number of players allowed to take up defensive positions is 10.  The tenth player must play in the outfield.
Select Players - Pitching
Coaches of the select teams will provide the House League coaches with the pitch counts for any players that have pitched in the prior 3 days. House League coaches will adhere to the arm care rules for pitchers who have pitched within this time period.

Select coaches may request that select players do not pitch in a Thursday House League game if they are participating in a tournament in the upcoming weekend.
All coaches are asked to respect the arm care rules for the safety of the players.
  
Playoffs - Format for 2026

Format: 
Playoffs will be held in a round robin format.  The 8 teams will be divided into 2 groups of 4 as per Regular Season House League standings. Group A (1, 4, 5, 8) & Group B (2, 3, 6, 7). After the round robin the semi finals will take place on Closing Day with the 1st place team from Group A will play the 2nd place team from Group B and the 1st place team from Group B will play the 2nd place team from Group A. The winners of each semi final will play in the Championship game also on Closing Day. Teams finishing 3rd & 4th in each Group will play in Consolation games on Closing Day. 
 
Official Score: 
The score sheet of the home team will be considered the official score.  It is the responsibility of the visiting team to validate the score prior to the score sheet being handed in. BOTH teams are requested to submit the score.
 
Tie Games: 
If the game cannot be decided in extra innings (curfew has been reached, or darkness makes playing dangerous), the game will revert back to the last completed inning where the score was not tied.
Tie Breaker:
In the event of a tie within the group, the following tie- breaking formulas will be used: 
i) The winner of the head to head game between the two (2) teams will advance.
ii) Team with the smallest runs against ratio (Runs allowed divided by the number of defensive innings played) in games among tied teams.
iii) Team with the smallest runs against ratio (Runs allowed divided by the number of defensive innings played) in all games.
iv) Team with the highest runs for ratio (Runs scored divided by the number of offensive innings played) in games among tied teams.
v) Team with the highest runs for ratio (Runs scored divided by the number of offensive innings played) in all games.
vi) Coin Toss.
In all other circumstances (3 or more), the following will be utilized:
i) Team with the smallest runs against ratio (Runs allowed divided by the number of defensive innings played) in games among tied teams.
ii) Team with the smallest runs against ratio (Runs allowed divided by the number of defensive innings played) in all games.
iii) Team with the highest runs for ratio (Runs scored divided by the number of offensive innings played) in games among tied teams.
iv) Team with the highest runs for ratio (Runs scored divided by the number of offensive innings played) in all games.
v) Coin Toss.