Local Yokel Rules

[MD Longhorn]

Got some new local rules to chortle at this morning.

8U: “If a runner has crossed the line when the ball is returned to the pitcher and she holds the ball above her head this is considered control.”

So … by this wording… if the runner has NOT crossed the line yet, and the pitcher holds the ball above her head, it’s not considered control. OK, got it.

10U: "Dropped 3rd strike is NOT in effect." A later rule: "In reference to third strike drop, the batter is allowed to run to first base only." Lovely.

And the old standard, "No head first sliding". Of course, no definition or penalty listed.

My favorite this time might be in 8U: "Hashmarks will be marked on the field halfway between bases. The SOLE PURPOSE of this line is to position runners when play is stopped. There is NO OTHER PURPOSE for these lines and they shall not be taken into account for any other reason." 3 rules later... "Infielders shall not take up a position closer than the hashmarks."

Then again ... none of these beat the rule I had in tourney last spring that I posted here. "Obstruction shall be heavily scrutinized by the umpire." Hey, look - obstruction. Let me heavily scrutinize that. OK, done. No ... no penalty for it. But I scrutinized the hell out of it!