Article 5 – Rules of the Game Interpretation Guide
Part 2: Sections 5.15–5.27 covering courtesy runners, time limits, completed games, weather delays, rescheduling, field setup, and safety base rules.
Section 5.15 – Courtesy Runner for Injured Player
Official Rule:
A courtesy runner (last out) may be used for an injured player if necessary. The injured player may return to the game if able to play in the field or bat in their spot in the line-up.
Meaning:
An injured player may receive a last-out courtesy runner without being automatically removed from the game.
Practical Implications:
If the player recovers, they may return defensively or continue batting in their normal lineup spot.
Simplified Wording:
Injured players may get a courtesy runner and return if able.
Governance Purpose:
Protects player safety while keeping the game moving.
Important Note:
The courtesy runner is the last out.
Best Practice:
Notify the umpire and scorekeeper clearly.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Injury courtesy runners do not automatically remove a player from the lineup.
Bottom Line:
An injured player may receive a courtesy runner and return if able.
Section 5.16 – Standard Game Time Limit
Official Rule:
All games shall have a time limit of one hour and forty minutes (1:40), unless otherwise noted - BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL.
Meaning:
The default STLWEST game time limit is 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Practical Implications:
Umpires and coaches must manage pace of play with the time limit in mind.
Simplified Wording:
Standard game time is 1:40.
Governance Purpose:
Keeps games on schedule and supports field and umpire scheduling.
Important Note:
Other division or event rules may create exceptions.
Best Practice:
Announce the official start time after ground rules.
Key Operational Takeaway:
1:40 is the default game clock unless otherwise noted.
Bottom Line:
STLWEST games are timed unless a specific rule says otherwise.
Section 5.17 – Home Team Ahead When Time Expires
Official Rule:
In league and in tournament play, if time is up and the home team is ahead the game is over at the conclusion of the visitors at bat.
Meaning:
If time expires and home is ahead after the visitor finishes batting, the game ends.
Practical Implications:
The home team does not bat again when already ahead.
Simplified Wording:
If time is up and home is winning after visitors bat, the game is over.
Governance Purpose:
Prevents unnecessary play and keeps games on schedule.
Important Note:
This applies to league and tournament play.
Best Practice:
Clearly announce when time has expired.
Key Operational Takeaway:
The home team does not bat unnecessarily when already ahead.
Bottom Line:
Time expiration can end the game after the visitors’ at-bat if home is ahead.
Section 5.18 – Run Limit and Time Limit Completion
Official Rule:
At the end of the time limit specified, if a run limit per inning exists for the division and either team is ahead by more runs than can be scored in the half inning, the game will be called complete, and the inning will not be concluded. All other divisions shall complete the inning in progress. The game shall count as a legal game regardless of the number of innings played.
Meaning:
If the trailing team cannot mathematically catch up because of the run limit, the game can end when time expires.
Practical Implications:
Coaches and umpires must know whether a run limit applies.
Simplified Wording:
If the run limit makes a comeback impossible after time expires, the game ends.
Governance Purpose:
Prevents unnecessary play when the outcome cannot change.
Important Note:
Other divisions complete the inning in progress.
Best Practice:
Review run limits during ground rules.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Time limit plus run limit may end the game immediately.
Bottom Line:
Some games end at time when the run limit makes a comeback impossible.
Section 5.19 – New Inning and Stalling
Official Rule:
A new inning starts immediately after the third out of the home team’s at bat. If there is 5 seconds left in the time, you will play another inning. Umpires will not tolerate intentional stalling.
Meaning:
A new inning begins as soon as the home team’s third out is recorded if any time remains.
Practical Implications:
Teams cannot delay to avoid starting another inning.
Simplified Wording:
If time remains, even 5 seconds, another inning starts.
Governance Purpose:
Prevents gamesmanship.
Important Note:
Umpires may address intentional stalling.
Best Practice:
Clearly announce whether a new inning has started.
Key Operational Takeaway:
The next inning starts immediately when time remains.
Bottom Line:
Teams cannot stall the clock to avoid another inning.
Section 5.20 – Baseball and Softball Inning Rules
Official Rule:
(a) BASEBALL ONLY: All age divisions will play seven (7) innings. No new inning may begin after one hour and forty minutes has expired (1:40). The following tie breaker rules are in effect:
• If seven (7) innings have expired, BUT not the 1:40 time limit, extra innings may be played until the 1:40 time limit. The game shall be allowed to continue until such time limit expires. If this situation occurs, no new inning shall begin after 1:40 as long as at least one extra inning (the 8th inning) has been played.
NOTE: In enforcing these rules, the home team shall not bat if they are winning and the mercy requirement is met prior to the bottom half of the listed inning.
(b) SOFTBALL ONLY – All age divisions will play seven (7) innings. No new inning may begin after one hour and forty minutes has expired (1:40). When after the completion of seven (7) innings of play and if there is time remaining and the score is tied, the tie-breaker rule will be followed:
• Starting with the top of the eighth inning, and each half inning thereafter, the offensive team shall begin its turn at bat with the player who is scheduled to bat last in that respective inning being placed on second base.
Meaning:
Seven innings is the standard, but the 1:40 time limit controls new innings.
Practical Implications:
Baseball and softball handle extra innings differently.
Simplified Wording:
Seven innings is standard, but no new inning starts after 1:40.
Governance Purpose:
Balances complete games with schedule control.
Important Note:
Softball uses the eighth-inning runner-on-second tie-breaker when applicable.
Best Practice:
Confirm baseball or softball tie procedures before extra innings begin.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Article 5.20 controls innings, time limits, and tie-breakers.
Bottom Line:
Baseball and softball have different extra-inning procedures under STLWEST.
Section 5.21 – Regulation Games After Weather or Acts of God
Official Rule:
If a game is called due to rain, lightning or other acts of God and cannot be resumed, it is a regulation game if: 1) In a seven (7) inning game, four (4) innings have been completed; 2) if the home team has scored more runs in three and one-half (3 ½) innings than the visiting team has scored in four (4) complete innings; 3) if the home team scores one or more runs in its half of the fourth inning to tie the score, then the game shall be considered a tie if not resumed; 4) if one hour and 15 minutes of the time limit has been played. If a game has progressed beyond the 4th inning OR more than one hour and fifteen minutes have been played and is called to due to rain or other acts of God and cannot be resumed, the final score will revert back to the previous completed inning.
• If the game is called due to rain or other acts of God and cannot be resumed
• and it is not determined to be a completed game as stated in Section 5.21,
• the game will start over from the beginning.
Meaning:
STLWEST has specific standards for deciding whether a stopped game counts.
Practical Implications:
Innings, score, and time played determine whether the game is complete, reverts back, or restarts.
Simplified Wording:
Weather-shortened games count only if they meet regulation game rules.
Governance Purpose:
Creates consistency for interrupted games.
Important Note:
If the game is not complete, it starts over from the beginning.
Best Practice:
Document inning, score, outs, and time when stopped.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Completed-game status depends on Section 5.21.
Bottom Line:
Weather-shortened games are only official when they meet STLWEST standards.
Section 5.22 – Weather Postponement Authority and Heat/Cold Policy
Official Rule:
The Home Association may postpone a game due to inclement weather prior to the game. In this event, the home team manager shall notify the visiting manager as early as possible. All other game stoppages due to weather conditions shall result in the game being delayed by the Umpire-in-Chief on the field of play, and ONLY the Home Association's Board Member on duty has the authority to officially postpone the game. Players, managers, and coaches must report to the field of play to receive official confirmation of a game postponed by the Umpire-in-Chief. Failure to so report will result in a forfeit being declared.
(a) Heat/Cold Policy- STLWEST games will be canceled/delayed if the heat index exceeds 105° F or if the temperature is below 40°F 1 hour prior to the start of the game at the park where the game is to be played. Games can be delayed up to 30 min. If delaying the start of the game would possibly meet the policy standard. The official weather source that will be used at each park will be the AccuWeather App.
Meaning:
Weather authority depends on whether the game is before start time or already at the field.
Practical Implications:
Teams must report unless they receive official confirmation of postponement.
Simplified Wording:
Do not assume weather cancels the game unless officially told.
Governance Purpose:
Prevents inconsistent cancellations and protects safety.
Important Note:
Failure to report can result in forfeit.
Best Practice:
Use one clear official communication channel.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Weather postponements must come from the proper authority.
Bottom Line:
Weather decisions are official only when made through the STLWEST process.
Section 5.23 – Lightning Delay Policy
Official Rule:
In the case of lightning, there will be a mandatory 15-minute delay following a lightning strike in the area. The game time limit will be paused during any such delay. There will be a MAXIMUM of a 45-minute delay. If the game is not resumed within 45 minutes, the game will be postponed and follow the rules of a completed game as stated in section 5.21.
Meaning:
Lightning creates a mandatory safety delay.
Practical Implications:
The clock pauses, but the total delay cannot exceed 45 minutes.
Simplified Wording:
Lightning means stop play for at least 15 minutes.
Governance Purpose:
Protects players, coaches, umpires, and spectators.
Important Note:
If play cannot resume within 45 minutes, completed-game rules apply.
Best Practice:
Clear the field immediately and record delay start time.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Lightning delay is mandatory, not optional.
Bottom Line:
Safety controls all lightning decisions.
Section 5.24 – Rainout Rescheduling Procedure
Official Rule:
The home team must contact by email the visitor within 7 days of the rainout and offer two dates. The visiting team must respond within nine (9) days of the rainout to the two (2) dates offered. Even with conflicts the game must be rescheduled within fourteen (14) days of the rainout. That does not mean played within fourteen (14) days just rescheduled for a later date. If neither team initiates a reschedule within the 14-day time frame, the game will go down as FORFEIT for both teams.
Meaning:
Rainout rescheduling has strict email deadlines.
Practical Implications:
Both teams must act quickly or risk forfeits.
Simplified Wording:
Home offers two dates, visitor responds, and the game must be rescheduled within 14 days.
Governance Purpose:
Prevents unresolved rainouts from disrupting standings.
Important Note:
Rescheduled within 14 days means scheduled to a later date, not necessarily played within 14 days.
Best Practice:
Use email for a written record.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Email dates and deadlines matter.
Bottom Line:
Rainout communication must happen quickly and in writing.
Section 5.25 – Fault for Failure to Reschedule
Official Rule:
If one team is at fault for the game not being re-scheduled in the two (2) week period, that team will receive the forfeit. This will be determined by email dates and times. A forfeit shall be recorded with a score of 7-0.
Meaning:
The team responsible for the failure to reschedule may be charged with the forfeit.
Practical Implications:
Email records become evidence.
Simplified Wording:
The team that causes the reschedule failure gets the forfeit.
Governance Purpose:
Encourages timely communication.
Important Note:
Forfeits are recorded 7-0.
Best Practice:
Respond promptly and keep all emails.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Email timestamps determine responsibility.
Bottom Line:
Failure to reschedule can become a forfeit.
Section 5.26 – Coach’s Box Placement on Smaller Diamonds
Official Rule:
Whenever a game is played on a diamond with distance between bases is less than ninety (90) feet, the coach’s boxes at first and third base shall be moved in towards home plate so to be in the same relative position with first and third base as on a regulation ninety (90) foot diamond.
Meaning:
Coach’s boxes should be adjusted proportionally on smaller fields.
Practical Implications:
Coaches should not stand too far down the baseline on smaller diamonds.
Simplified Wording:
On smaller fields, move coach’s boxes closer to home plate.
Governance Purpose:
Keeps coaching positions consistent and safe.
Important Note:
This applies when bases are less than 90 feet apart.
Best Practice:
Mark coach’s boxes during field setup.
Key Operational Takeaway:
Coach’s boxes should match the field scale.
Bottom Line:
Smaller diamonds require adjusted coach’s box placement.
Section 5.27 – Orange Safety Base
Official Rule:
An Orange Safety Base will be used at first base for all levels ages 7u-14u. (Both Baseball and Softball) SEE ADDENDUM FOR FURTHER CLARIFICATION.
Meaning:
7U through 14U divisions must use an orange safety base at first base.
Practical Implications:
Associations must make sure the proper first base is installed for applicable divisions.
Simplified Wording:
7U-14U baseball and softball use the orange safety base.
Governance Purpose:
Reduces collision risk at first base.
Important Note:
The addendum provides further clarification.
Best Practice:
Add safety base verification to field setup checklists.
Key Operational Takeaway:
The orange safety base is required for 7U-14U.
Bottom Line:
Orange safety bases are mandatory for 7U-14U baseball and softball.
Section 5.27 Addendum – Orange Safety Base / Double First Base Clarification
Official Rule:
STLWEST double first base guidelines establish fair/foul ball rulings, required white vs. colored base usage, dropped third strike exceptions, overthrow exceptions, missed base penalties, extra-base hit allowances, and first base return procedures.
Meaning:
The orange (or colored) portion of first base exists primarily for player safety during the initial play at first base while preserving fair competition and minimizing collisions.
Primary Rule:
• Defense uses the white base on force plays at first.
• Batter-runner uses the colored base on initial plays at first.
• Once safely beyond first base, return is made only to the white base.
Fair/Foul Ball Clarification:
• Ball touching or bounding over white portion first = Fair Ball
• Ball touching colored portion only without white = Foul Ball
Exception 1 – Dropped Third Strike:
• Batter-runner and fielder may use either portion as needed for safety.
• Running lane restrictions still apply.
Exception 2 – Errant Throws / Pulled Fielder:
• Batter-runner may use either base when collision avoidance is necessary.
• Defense must still touch white base to complete force out.
• Intentional interference by batter-runner may still result in out or ejection.
Missed Base Enforcement:
If batter-runner improperly touches only white on the initial force play, it may be treated as missing first base and is appealable under rule conditions.
Extra-Base Hit Clarification:
When no play exists at first, batter-runner may use either portion initially, but any return to first requires use of white base only.
Practical Implications:
Coaches must teach players proper double-base mechanics early to avoid unnecessary outs, interference calls, or safety violations.
Simplified Wording:
Colored base for runner on first play. White base for defense. White base only after first is reached.
Governance Purpose:
Reduces collisions, improves player safety, clarifies umpire enforcement, and standardizes first-base procedures across STLWEST parks.
Important Note:
Incorrect base usage can result in outs, appeals, or interference rulings even when the runner beats the throw.
Best Practice:
• Review double-base rules during preseason practices
• Include base usage in umpire ground rules
• Train field crews to ensure proper double-base installation
Key Operational Takeaway:
The orange safety base is not optional and carries specific enforcement mechanics beyond simple runner safety.
Bottom Line:
STLWEST’s double first base system is a safety rule with precise enforcement standards, and proper use is essential for players, coaches, and umpires.
Important Note: This is Part 2 of Article 5. The official STLWEST rulebook remains the controlling authority for all gameplay, timing, weather, rescheduling, and safety decisions.