2026 18U Age Category Rules

Link to 2026 SC Handbook

2026 18U Division Rules

1. Pitching distance is 60' 6" feet and the baselines are 90 feet.

2. A team may start the game with 7 or 8 players. An automatic out will be charged for the 8^th and/or 9^th batters (SC league rule only).

1. Late-arriving players are to be inserted into the lineup with no penalty.

2. In case of an ejection, the re-entry rule MAY NOT BE USED and the game is thus forfeited.

3. In case of injury see 4.03 Injury Rule in the MBA Handbook. 

1. Only players that have not been in the game are eligible.

3. Games are seven (7) innings.

4. Run limit - 6 runs per inning, or 3 outs, whichever comes first. Exception: Last inning will be an open (no run limit).

1. This differs from Baseball Manitoba rules and applies to South Central league play only.

5. If a team is up 10 runs or more after 5 innings, 4½ if home team, the game shall be declared over. If a game is called because of rain or darkness before 3 innings (2½ if home) the game shall be declared no contest and must be replayed.

6. 9 players shall be in the batting order unless a team uses the extra hitter, which would result in 10 players in the batting order. 

1. A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot re-enter as a pitcher.

2. Re-entry (See Baseball Manitoba Handbook)

1. All players in the starting batting order shall be permitted to re-enter the game once but MUST bat in the same batting position. Once a pitcher has been removed from the pitching position, even though he re-enters the game, he may NOT pitch again.

2. A DESIGNATED HITTER will be allowed for the pitcher only. The Ohtani rule is in effect where a pitcher who bats for himself can stay in the game as the DH after he is finished pitching. For the Ohtani rule to be in effect, the player should be listed as the DH in their spot in the batting order and then as the pitcher in the 10^th spot. In this case, the same player will be listed twice on the lineup card.

3. An EXTRA HITTER can be used if the DH is not used. EH position is explained here.

7. Wood and composite bats are to be used. Composite bats have a minus-3 length-to-weight restriction.

8. There are NO restrictions as to the number of pitchers that may be used in a game.

9. Any player on the team is eligible to pitch. See below

1. Over-age Players are not permitted.

10. Pitchers and coaches MUST follow the pitch count/rest guidelines (see below).

1. Pitch-count must be recorded for all league, exhibition, and tournament games.

2. Pitchers and Catchers - Baseball Manitoba Pitch Count Rules - read it and know it.

3. Once a player assumes the role of pitcher, they cannot catch for the remainder of the day. A player is allowed to catch and then pitch in the same game or the same day.  However, a player cannot pitch and then catch in the same game or day.

11. Players must play in at least 3 league games to be eligible for playoffs (play downs or league tournament).

12. All other rules as per Baseball Manitoba/Baseball Canada will apply.

13. Check with Baseball Canada NCCP for updated coaching requirements.

14. Home team to take infield 30mins before game start and visiting team will take infield 15mins before game start

SCMBL Special Rules

• Over-age players (OPs)
  • Up to three over age players may play if there is no team of his/her age group in his/her town.
  • Overage players may not be more than 1 year over age and cannot pitch or catch.
  • An executive member or designate will assess the players skill level and make a ruling.
  • Over age players must be identified on the game sheet as OP.
  • In league championship tournaments, all teams with OP players must drop these players (they are not eligible to play in the play-offs.)
  • Girls may participate one year past the suggested ages without being considered an overage player (Baseball Canada rule).
• Alternate Players (APs)
  • In regular season league play only, players may move up ONE age classification.
  • Clarification - a 13U player (minor or major) can AP to 15U, but cannot AP to 18U.
  • APs cannot pitch or catch, but can play any other position and hit anywhere in the lineup.
  • APs must be identified on the game sheet as AP.
  • If a player is on a higher age roster permanently, then they can pitch and catch.
  • These players must follow the pitch count rules for the age they are (not the age they are playing in).
  • These players must follow the bat rules of the age group they are playing in.
  • Lateral APs (an AP from within the same age category) are allowed for league play.
  • Lateral APs can ONLY play outfield, cannot pitch or catch, and can ONLY bat in the last 3 in the order. March 19, 2017
  • Teams may not use APs (regular or lateral) if the total number of players, not including APs, on a game sheet is 11 players April 4, 2011
  • APs cannot be used in South Central Playoffs.
  • If a team has an injury that removes a player from their roster for the league tournament, a message can be sent to the SC executive requesting an AP.
  • The AP will be granted when the injury reduces the team’s roster to fewer than 10 players.
    If a team still has 10 players on their roster after the injured player is removed, they will not be granted the AP.

Notes:

• When reaching a threshold max, a pitcher can complete the batter before a pitching change is required.
• Coaches must indicate last batter to the umpire before the threshold limit is reached.
• For SC league and tournament play, if a violation of the pitch count rule occurs:
  • First offence - warning to the coach and forfeiture of the game
  • Second offence - forfeiture of the game and 2 game suspension for the coach
  • Third offence - forfeiture of the game and review by SC board