COYBL League Rules
Rules for the Central Ohio Youth Baseball League. COYBL follows OHSAA / National Federation (NFHS) high school rules except where noted below, and rules vary by age group.
Age Divisions & Eligibility
A player's age on April 30 sets their division (a player who is 9 on April 30 plays 9U). A grade exemption applies (see below), and players may always "play up" in an older division.
| Division | Grade exemption |
|---|---|
| 8U | 2nd grade |
| 9U | 3rd grade |
| 10U | 4th grade |
| 11U | 5th grade |
| 12U | 6th grade |
| 13U | 7th grade |
| 14U | 8th grade |
Pitch Counts (Pitch Smart)
A pitcher may not return to the mound once removed. Required rest is based on pitches thrown in a day. If a pitcher crosses a threshold mid-at-bat, they may finish that batter and the coach records the threshold count.
Daily maximum: 9Uā10U = 75 Ā· 11Uā12U = 85 Ā· 13Uā14U = 95.
| Pitches in a day | Rest required |
|---|---|
| 1ā20 | None |
| 21ā35 | 1 calendar day |
| 36ā50 | 2 calendar days |
| 51ā65 | 3 calendar days |
| 66 or more | 4 calendar days |
(7Uā8U is coach pitch ā no pitching rules.)
Game Length
- 9Uā12U: 6 innings (5Ā½ if the home team leads). 2-hour time limit.
- 13Uā14U: 7 innings (6Ā½ if the home team leads). 2-hour-15-minute limit.
- Division games cannot end in a tie ā play continues until there is a winner.
Run / Mercy Rules
- 15 runs after 4 innings (3Ā½ if the home team leads)
- 10 runs after 5 innings
Rosters & Players
- Maximum 22 players per roster; rosters must be posted online before the first game.
- A player on two teams may only pitch for their primary team.
- Coaches must carry rosters and birth certificates at all times.
Equipment
- Bats: USSSA, USA Baseball, or Nations-approved.
- Footwear: rubber spikes recommended; metal spikes are prohibited.
Other Rules
- DH, EH, and roster batting are allowed (you cannot use DH and EH together).
- Courtesy runners allowed for the pitcher/catcher with 2 outs.
- Slug bunting is prohibited at 13U and below (player safety).
- A team may start with 8 players (auto-out for the 9th spot); 7 or fewer is a forfeit.
Safety
- Lightning: suspend play when lightning or thunder is detected; wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash/thunder before resuming. No exceptions.
- Heat: monitor the heat index and use caution in dangerous conditions.
- Ejections: an ejected coach sits that game and the next; report ejections within 24 hours.
Insurance & Registration
- Option 1 ($495): team insurance + Five Tool Youth registration.
- Option 2 ($425): team provides its own insurance (proof required) + Five Tool Youth registration.
- Optional add-on: USSSA membership (+$35).
League End Date
The regular season ends June 30 (9Uā12U).