2026 SC Handbook

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2026 South Central Handbook PDF

Before the Season Begins

Registration Procedures

Registration for all teams to be done through RAMP and completed no later than May 15^th. Please ensure your team names are listed correctly in RAMP as those names will transfer over to the SC website and the pitch count app.

SCMBL Registration Fees  revised for 2024 seasion

	SC Fee	Baseball MB Fee	Total (Per Player)	League Tournament Fee (Per Team)
Rally Cap	$20	$17	$37
9U	$20	$25	$45
11U	$20	$37	$57	$300
13U	$20	$37	$57	$300
15U	$20	$37	$57	$300
18U	$20	$37	$57	$300

 

Community Obligations

• A town/community must have a representative present at any/all league meetings. A club association will be fined $100 if a representative does not show up for an SCMBL meeting February 10, 2019
• Communities must declare by June 1^st if a team isn’t able to participate in the league tournament/playdowns. If a team drops out after June 1^st a $300 fine will be paid to SCMBL.
• Communities must ensure that all coaches have the appropriate certification for the levels they coach at. Information on coaching certification can be found here on the Baseball MB website.
• To be eligible for the league tournament/playdowns, players must play in at least 25% of the scheduled league games.

 

Information Required from Town Reps

• Ensure that coach & manager info is input into RAMP for each of your teams. Coaches & managers should have both their email address and cell number in their contact info. The DEADLINE is MAY 1.
• Submit all player and team registrations into the RAMP Registration website using the administrative privileges obtained from Baseball MB.
• If possible, include jersey numbers in RAMP to make it easier to select pitchers in the pitch count app.
• Pay ALL league registration fees to the SC treasurer as noted on the invoice your organization receives from SC. Payment are due by the end of May each season. There will be a late fee of $25/day (maximum $100).

League Tournament Hosting Info (additional hosting information on page 11)

• When hosting a league championship, ensure that the convener has all the required information, and that there are sufficient diamonds available to complete the tournament.
• Pitching Mounds are required for all league tournaments.
• Back-up facilities MUST be arranged in case of interruption due to rain or other unforeseen circumstances. (This responsibility can be delegated to the participating teams) but ultimately it falls on the host.
• No league tournament can be canceled without consultation with league convener.

 

Coaches Certification Requirements

Respect in Sport is required for all coaches/managers in all categories. Failure will result in lost league bond. This is a no charge course that can be found on the Baseball MB Website.
The Rule of Two is also a mandatory course for all coaches and managers. To complete the Rule of Two training you will need an NCCP number. The course can then be completed by going to “The Locker” on the Coach Canada Website.

 

• Contact Baseball Manitoba (James Zamko - 204-925-5763, or email) to verify your certification status or courses required.
• You can also check your personal status on the NCCP Website. You will need to create a login account.

AAA Team Coaches

• Prospective coaches must apply by email by December 31^st to the president of SCMBL (southcentralminorbaseball@gmail.com) and Matt Friesen (friesenmatt4@gmail.com) in order to be considered for the following year.

 

Umpires

• Umpires MUST be at least Level 1 certified. Each community is responsible for making sure this happens.
• The local UIC will assign postings for league tournaments/playdowns. The SC UIC will assign postings for Provincials.
• Please check playoff dates and make yourself available for these dates.

 

Baseball Manitoba Meetings

SCMBL President (and designate) fees will be paid - for the Baseball MB Awards banquet and AGM (spring) and Semi-Annual AGM (fall) - including hotel fees/mileage/meals, etc.

 

Team Formation Guidelines and Provincial Options

 

11U Provincial Tournaments

• 11U Tier 1
• 11U Tier 2
• 11U Tier 3
• 11U AA

11U League Play

SC will continue to have local associations/towns make teams that are as even as possible for league play.

At the end of the season the top 6 teams would play in a league tournament to determine the reps at the Tier 1 provincials. The tournament winner would have priority when it comes to pickups. We expect that 2-3 teams from SC will participate in the Tier 1 provincials each year. On Sunday a 3v4 game would need to be played to determine the final team to advance if 3 teams are going to Tier 1 provincials.

Teams 7-12 would play in a league tournament with the winner of the tournament being the Tier 2 rep and the runner up the Tier 3 rep. The balance of the teams can play in a consolation tournament (provided a community steps up to host).

Teams are allowed to pick up a max of 4 players for provincials. The order for pickups is as follows: Tier 1 reps selects all of their pickups (in order), then Tier 2 rep selects their pickups, then finally Tier 3 rep selects their pickups. All players are available to be picked up for any tier.

11U AA Provincials
Local associations/towns can make an all-star team from their club players to make a AA level team.

If needed, 2-3 associations/towns can amalgamate to make one AA team. The combined number of 11U registered players between the associations cannot exceed 42. Rosters do not need to be finalized until June 15^th.

Players on the AA teams will still be able to compete in the Tier 1, 2, or 3 provincials - as those tournaments will occur on different weekends. Qualifying 11U AA teams are allowed 2 regional pickups for provincials. These pickups are added after playdowns are complete.

The expectation is that there will be more AA teams than spots available at provincials. If this is the case, regional playdowns will be held to declare an SC AA provincial rep. If there are more open spots than there are teams, SC may have more than 1 team participate in AA provincials.

For 2026, there may be a qualifier tournament to confirm seeding for the 11U AA provincials (details to come).

11U AA teams that do not qualify for provincials are encouraged to consider registering for the 11U Prospects Tournament (SC to confirm if the prospects tournament is happening each season).

***Final playdown information and confirmation of available provincial spots will be confirmed by SC in June prior to the playdowns***

 

13U Provincial Tournaments

• 13U Tier 1
• 13U Tier 2
• 13U Tier 3
• 13U AA
• 13U AAA

 

13U League Play

***NEW FOR 2026***
All communities will make equal teams and compete in a single league. Larger centres with more than 1 team will distribute their AAA players as evenly as possible across their club teams. To ensure that teams are still developing pitching depth and to help manage competitive balance, we will limit the pitch count for AAA players to a maximum of 45-50 pitches per week for league games (exact # TBC). These pitchers will still need to follow all Baseball MB pitch count rules when pitching for their club and AAA teams - both in league games and in any tournaments.

At the end of the year the teams will be split into league tournaments so that SC will have reps at Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 provincials. Final details will be provided in advance of league playdowns once we know the number of teams we have.

We expect that the Tier 1 league tournament will have ~6 teams playing for 2-3 spots in the Tier 1 provincials. The rest of the 13U teams will compete in the Tier 2/3 league tournament where the winner advances to Tier 2 provincials and the runner-up advances to Tier 3 provincials.

Other Info:
All teams in SC will be considered C centres by Baseball MB and are allowed to add up to 4 players to their roster from their local league/region for Provincial Championships, under the following parameters:

• If a team has 2 or fewer major aged AAA players on the roster one (1) of the pick-ups can be a minor aged AAA player from their league/region. The remainder of the pick-ups must be players from their league/region that are not on a AAA roster. AA players can be picked up by any team.

The order for pickups is as follows: Tier 1 rep selects all of their pickups (teams draft in order), then Tier 2 rep selects their pickups, then finally Tier 3 rep selects their pickups.

 

***Final playdown information and confirmation of available provincial spots will be confirmed by SC in June prior to the playdowns***

 

13U AAA & AA Teams
SC 13U AAA will participate in a ½ schedule within WABA. All AAA players are required to double roster and can compete in the Tier 1, 2, or 3 provincials that their local team qualifies for. Minor aged AAA players can be picked up to play in Tier 1, 2, or 3 provincials (as noted above).

AAA players cannot compete in AA provincials.

Players who do not make the AAA team are able to try out for one of two regional SC 13U AA teams. These teams will not have a league to play in but will be able to practice together throughout the season when it works, and find exhibition games/tournaments to play in. Starting in July, Baseball MB will coordinate playdowns for the Zone 2 (rural) AA teams to determine if they fit in with the 13U AA Tier 1 or Tier 2 provincials.

SC will split their 13U AA teams as follows:

• Team 1:
  • Morden, Carman, Miami, Rosenort, Lowe Farm
• Team 2:
  • Winkler, Plum Coulee, Altona

AA players can be added as pickups for AAA provincials if the need arises.

 

15U Provincials

• 15U Tier 1
• 15U Tier 2
• 15U AA
• 15U AAA

 

15U League Play

***NEW FOR 2026***
At the 15U level there will only be Tier 1 and Tier 2 provincials as most Zone 2 (rural) regions have AAA players single-rostering and not participating in community baseball (including SC - see below).

All 15U community teams in SC will play in 1 large league. Any local association with enough players to make 2 or more teams would make equal teams.

At the end of the season the top 6 teams would play in a league tournament with the winner advancing to the Tier 1 provincials. The balance of the teams will play in a league tournament with the winner advancing to the Tier 2 provincials.

Other info:
Given that we are making equal teams, all players in 15U community league play are eligible to be picked up for either Tier 1 or Tier 2 provincials. Teams advancing to Tier 1 and Tier 2 provincials are allowed 3 pickups. AA players are eligible to be picked up.

The order for pickups is as follows: Tier 1 rep selects all their pickups and then Tier 2 rep selects their pickups. AAA players cannot be picked up to play in Tier 1 or 2 provincials.

15U AAA & AA Teams
Players on the SC 15U AAA team will single roster and play only on the AAA team. They do not need to double roster on a community team as in the past. SC 15U AAA will participate in a full schedule within WABA. Details to be confirmed as the season approaches.

Players who do not make the AAA team are able to try out for a regional SC 15U AA team. AA players will be required to be double rostered with their community team and can be picked up for Tier 1 or Tier 2 provincials.

The 15U AA team will not have a league to play in but will be able to practice together throughout the season when it works and find exhibition games/tournaments to play in. Starting in July, Baseball MB will coordinate playdowns for the Zone 2 (rural) AA teams to determine if they fit in with the 15U AA Tier 1 or Tier 2 provincials.

AA players can be added as pickups for AAA provincials if the need arises.

***New for 2024: -5 bats are allowed at 15U AA and Tier 1/2/3. 15U AAA still requires a -3 bat.***

***Final playdown information and confirmation of available provincial spots will be confirmed by SC in June prior to the playdowns***

 

18U Provincials

• 18U Tier 1
• 18U AA
• 18U AAA

 

18U League Play

All teams will all be categorized as Tier 1 teams and play in a single league. Any local association with enough players to make 2 or more teams would make equal teams.

The winner of the league tournament or playdown would be the Tier 1 provincial rep.

The Tier 1 rep will be allowed 4 pickups for provincials.

18U AAA & AA
SC 18U AAA will participate in a full schedule within WABA. All AAA players will be single rostered.

Players who do not make the AAA team are able to tryout for a regional SC 18U AA team. This team will not have a league to play in but will be able to practice together throughout the season when it works, and find exhibition games/tournaments to play in.

AA players can be added as pickups for AAA provincials if the need arises.

The expectation is that the SC 18U AA team will receive a spot in the AA provincials. If there are more teams than spots, regional playdowns may be required.

 

***Final playdown information and confirmation of available provincial spots
will be confirmed by SC in June prior to the playdowns***

 

Other provincial info (all age groups):

• From time to time, Baseball MB will open up additional provincial spots for SC. Details on which team(s) will attend will be determined at that time.
• SC should inform Baseball MB by May 1^st (absolute deadline is June 1^st) of our intentions to fill the assigned provincial spots (and if multiple teams are interested in case extra spots are available).
• AAA rosters can now be smaller as AA players are available to AP throughout the season and can be added for provincials. AA players can play in up to 4 regular season AAA games.

 

League Schedule & Standings

• Available for all categories at scbaseball.com
• Games should be played as scheduled.
• Postponed Games
• A rescheduled date must be confirmed by the teams within ONE week of the original date.
• It is the responsibility of BOTH teams to make sure any postponed game is played.
• If there are issues agreeing to a rescheduled date, please contact your age group convener.
• All games MUST be completed by the end of the schedule, unless otherwise approved by the convener.
• Any team that forfeits a game will lose their bond.
• Convener has the option to prioritize which game/s should be played first.
• For the purposes of final standings, the team with more wins will be the higher seed
• Example - a 5-5 team is a higher seed than a team that finishes 4-4-2 even though they have the same winning percentage
• In the case where there is a tie at the end of the regular season between 2 or more teams, the following tiebreakers will be used:

1. Head-to-head record between the tied teams
2. Run differential in the games played between the tied teams
3. Run differential over the entire season

*If 11U teams from different divisions are tied in run differential, total runs for will determine the higher seed

 

 

Game Report Sheets

• Available here on the SC website.
• The home team will complete the game report sheet January 2026
• Fill out the game report sheet and email it to opposing manager and convener by 9am the morning after the game.
• Keep a hard copy in case of discrepancies/disputes
• Game Summary sheet does not need to be attached if included in body of email February 10, 2019

 

 

Pitch Counting

• Each team is responsible to track both teams’ pitchers. You should check with opposition after each inning.
• Teams are required to use the Baseball MB Pitch Count App to log pitch counts after the game. You can find info and download instructions here on the Baseball MB website.
• Teams can use the app or a paper to keep track during the game.
• Home team coach/manager will input the pitch count into the app within 24 hours of the game being completed.

 

Division Convener Responsibilities

• Collect and input game sheet results into the website for league play.
• Standings are tracked automatically by the website.
• For league tournaments, the convener will:
• Communicate the draw and playoff schedule to the teams once received from the host - including an update before the playoff round starts.
• Ensure that the host committee has SC medals for the winning team.
• Hand out the medals or coordinate someone on site to do it.
• Collect picture of the winner and runner up and send it to Cheri Klassen (spcheri3@gmail.com).
• Email Heather DiFrancesco (heatherdifran@gmail.com) the name(s) of the manager(s) advancing to provincials to get the pick-up process started.
• Ensure that the league play-off tournaments are organized and administered according to the policies of the SCMBL and MBA handbooks.

 

• For league tournaments the hosts will:
• Create the schedule from the SC standings for the Convener with the correct diamond numbers noted.
• SC Tournament Draw templates are available here on the SC website.
• Schedule umpires for each game.
• Collect and store all game sheets, post scores and pitch counts in central location.
• Make sure to have a host contact on site for questions from teams.
• Determine the final standings after the round robin, using the Baseball MB formula if there is a 3-way tie in round robin play.
• Send playoff update info to the convener at the end of the round robin.

 

South Central Honorariums Process

As a way of showing appreciation to the individuals who dedicate extra time towards taking on additional responsibilities, SC would like to recognize the following:

• Umpire in Chief - to be paid an annual honorarium of $500 per year March 2024
• Scheduler - to be paid an annual honorarium of $500 March 2016
• Registrar - to be paid an annual honorarium of $500 March 2024
• Treasurer - to be paid an annual honorarium of $500 March 2024
• Age Group Conveners - to be paid an annual honorarium of $100 February 10, 2019

 

South Central Discipline Procedure

Incidents of concern must be forwarded to the SCMBL president via email (southcentralminorbaseball@gmail.com) within 7 days of the incident occurring. The SCMBL president will then connect with both parties and the local town representative to gather information to determine if a minor or major infraction has occurred.

 

The SC executive will discuss the situation and call a meeting if required. The SCMBL president and executive will be guided by the Baseball MB Discipline Chart starting on page 93 of the handbook.

 

All disciplined persons have a right to an appeal process through Baseball MB.

 

2025 South Central Minor Baseball League Rules

 

Division Ages

Rally Cap ............................................................................................. age 5-7 in the current year

9U........................................................................................................ age 8-9 in the current year

11U  ………........................................... age 10-11 in the current year (can also include 9-year-olds)

13U .................................................................................................. age 12-13 in the current year

15U .................................................................................................. age 14-15 in the current year

18U .................................................................................................. age 16-18 in the current year

 

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.

 

11U Division Rules

1. Pitching distance is 44 feet and the baselines are 70 feet.
2. The 20 inch “Killarney Plate” is to be used in all games.
3. When 11U community teams come to games with only 8 players (in league play only), the missing player is NOT subject to automatic out.
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.
4. The 8-player allowance is NOT in effect in league-playdowns.  If a batting lineup consists of only eight players an automatic out is charged for the ninth position in the lineup.
4. Games are six (6) innings.
5. Run limit - 4 runs per inning, or 3 outs, whichever comes first. Exception: Last inning will be open (no run limit). This differs from Baseball Manitoba rules and applies to South Central league play only.
6. If a team is up 10 runs or more after 4 innings, 3½ 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 team is ahead) the game shall be declared no contest and must be replayed.
7. Everyone bats: All players must be included in the batting line-up, but only up to 9 play defensively at one time. 
1. Players may be moved in and out of the game while maintaining the same batting order.
2. A pitcher, once removed from the mound, cannot re-enter as a pitcher.
3. In the event that a player is injured, ejected or has left the game for any purpose, the spot in the batting order will be skipped and the next batter will bat. No out will be recorded for the skipped spot.
8. There are NO restrictions as to the number of pitchers that may be used in a game.
9. Any player rostered with the team is eligible to pitch. See below.
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. The batter is out on the third strike (catcher does not have to catch the ball), however, the ball is live and in play (runners may advance at their own risk).
12. A player MUST be hit or forced (by a walk) home. NO passed-ball or catcher overthrow advances.
    1. With runners on first and third, the catcher is encouraged to try and throw out the runner stealing second. Whether the catcher is successful or not, the runner from third CANNOT steal home.
    2. Players are allowed to go home on overthrows that result from a batted ball in play.
13. Please Note:  Bunting IS NOT ALLOWED in 11U baseball as of 2025.
14. Intentional walks issued by the coach (where pitches aren’t thrown) are not allowed at 11U.
15. Players must play in at least 3 league games to be eligible for playoffs (play downs or league tournament).
16. All other rules as per Baseball Manitoba/Baseball Canada will apply.
17. Check with Baseball Canada NCCP for updated coaching requirements.
18. SC will run modified 11U rules for any game played until the last Sunday in May each year. The modified rules are:
    1. A batter will hit off the tee after four balls (walk) has been issued. There must be contact, the pitcher must stay on the rubber and the catcher must stay in the catcher’s box (with their mask on) until contact. There is no set distance the ball has to travel when hit off the tee, but it cannot be bunted. The player may not advance past 2^nd base when hitting off the tee, but the runners can advance as far as they are able. 
       1. If a batter is hit by a pitch during the modified rule period, they are awarded first base and will not hit off a tee.
       2. If a runner is stealing on ball 4, the play continues until the runner is safe or tagged out on the steal. If the runner is caught stealing for the 3^rd out of the inning, the hitter does not hit off the tee as the inning has ended. The following inning starts with the next hitter in the lineup.
       3. ***It is the responsibility of the coach (not the umpire) to bring the tee to home plate***
19. One coach is allowed to be in the outfield with the players to help with placement/advice (This saves coaches from yelling across the diamonds throughout the game).
20. Batters cannot advance past first on a walk. Runners can only advance one base per pitch via stealing/wild pitch.
21. SC 11U Games will start at 6:30pm. No new innings started after 8:30pm.
22. Home team to take infield 30mins before game start and visiting team will take infield 15mins before game start.

 

13U Division Rules

1. Pitching distance is 48 feet and the baselines are 70 feet.
2. When 13U community teams come to games with only 8 players (in league play only), the missing player is NOT subject to automatic out.
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.
4. The 8-player allowance is NOT in effect in league-playdowns.  If a batting lineup consists of only eight players an automatic out is charged for the ninth position in the lineup.
3. Games are seven (7) innings.
4. Run limit - 5 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 team is ahead) the game shall be declared no contest and must be replayed.
6. Everybody bats in “Tier 1”, “Tier 2”, and “AA”: All players must be included in the batting line-up, but only 9 play defensively at one time. 
1. Players may be moved in and out of the game while maintaining the same batting order.
2. A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot re-enter as a pitcher.
3. In the event that a player is injured, ejected or has left the game for any purpose, the spot in the batting order will be skipped and the next batter will bat.  No out will be recorded for the skipped spot.
7. Batting lineups are restricted to 10 players in “AAA” competition (an EH can be included in the batting lineup - following Baseball Manitoba guidelines).
8. There are NO restrictions as to the number of pitchers that may be used in a game.
9. Any player on the team roster is eligible to pitch. See #10 below.
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. For league play, AAA pitchers will be limited to 45-50 pitches per week (exact # TBC).
   These pitchers still need to follow all Baseball MB Pitch Count Rules.
3. Pitchers and Catchers - Baseball Manitoba Pitch Count Rules - read it and know it.
4. 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. Intentional walks issued by the coach (where pitches aren’t thrown) and bunting are not allowed in 13U.
12. Players must play in at least 3 league games to be eligible for playoffs (play downs or league tournament).
13. All other rules as per Baseball Manitoba/Baseball Canada will apply.
14. Check with Baseball Canada NCCP for updated coaching requirements.
15. There will be no modified rules for the 13U age group (as of the 2024 season).
16. SC 13U Games will start at 6:30pm. No new innings started after 8:30pm.
17. Home team to take infield 30mins before game start and visiting team will take infield 15mins before game start.

 

15U Division Rules

1. Pitching distance is 54 feet and the baselines are 80 feet.
2. When 15U community teams come to games with only 8 players (in league play), the missing player is NOT subject to automatic out.
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.
4. The 8-player allowance is NOT in effect in league-playdowns.  If a batting lineup consists of only eight players an automatic out is charged for the ninth position in the lineup.
3. Games are seven 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 team is ahead) the game shall be declared no contest and must be replayed.
6. Everybody bats in “Tier 1”, “Tier 2”, and “AA”: All players must be included in the batting line-up, but only 9 play defensively at one time. 
1. Players may be moved in and out of the game while maintaining the same batting order.
2. A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot re-enter as a pitcher.
3. In the event that a player is injured, ejected or has left the game for any purpose, the spot in the batting order will be skipped and the next batter will bat.  No out will be recorded for the skipped spot.
7. Batting lineups are restricted to 10 players in “AAA” competition (an EH can be included in the batting lineup - following Baseball Manitoba guidelines).
8. 15U “Tier 1”, “Tier 2”, and “AA” teams may use the regular 2 ¾” barrel bats with minus-5 length-to-weight restrictions.
9. In the 15U “AAA” level Wood or Composite bats must be used. Composite bats have a minus-3 length-to-weight restriction.
10. There are NO restrictions as to the number of pitchers that may be used in a game.
11. Any player on the team is eligible to pitch. See below
12. 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.
13. Players must play in at least 3 league games to be eligible for playoffs (play downs or league tournament).
14. All other rules as per Baseball Manitoba/Baseball Canada will apply.
15. Check with Baseball Canada NCCP for updated coaching requirements.
16. Home team to take infield 30mins before game start and visiting team will take infield 15mins before game start.

 

18U Division Rules

1. Pitching distance is 60' 6" 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 team is ahead) 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

 

 

2025 Pitch Count Rules
11U		13U		15U		18U
#Pitches	Days Rest	#Pitches	Days Rest	#Pitches	Days Rest	#Pitches	Days Rest
1-25	0	1-30	0	1-35	0	1-40	0
26-40	1	31-45	1	36-50	1	41-55	1
41-55	2	46-60	2	51-65	2	56-70	2
56-65	3	61-75	3	66-80	3	71-85	3
66-75	4	76-85	4	81-95	4	86-105	4
75	MAX	85	MAX	95	MAX	105	MAX

 

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

Player Pick-up Procedure

• Applies to Provincial competitions
• All pick-ups must be forwarded to the league president and registrar by email
• Information to include
• Category, division, your team name, name/phone/email of coach
• Names of pick-ups
• Teams they are from
• Other pickup information is found on the age category pages.
• Past practice has been to allow communities to pick from their own community teams that have been eliminated, if this is applicable.

 

South Central Playoff Format

• For the purposes of final standings, the team with more wins will be the higher seed
• Example - a 5-5 team is a higher seed than a team that finishes 4-4-2 even though they have the same winning percentage
• In the case where there is a tie at the end of the regular season between 2 or more teams, the following tiebreakers will be used:
• Head-to-head record between the tied teams
• Run differential in the games played between the tied teams
• Run differential over the entire season
• *If 11U teams from different divisions are tied in run differential, runs for will determine the higher seed
• The Baseball Manitoba Tie Breaking procedure for tournaments will be used to break ties in all other placings for the league tournaments. Sept. 24, 2017.
• ***NEW FOR 2026*** Tie-breaker games will be 3 innings at league tournaments

 

Release and Transfer Information

At age groups where a community doesn’t have enough registered players to field a team, those players are able to transfer to another community. An indication of transfers needs to be sent to the SCMBL executive by March 15^th with final transfers completed by March 31^st.

In cases where a player in an age category has been released by a community and plays for a different community in the same age category, that player MUST return to his/her home league/association to re-apply for a transfer the following season.

Transfer Process Within South Central:

• Before consideration of granting a release to any player, said player must register at their home centre (community club, town or region) at the time of registration.
• South Central prefers amicable discussions on movement of players. That being said, players must receive a release from their home association to go to another association’s program. Players who want to move and are granted a release by their home association can choose from the next two closest associations with appropriate level programs, based on the mileage of their physical address to the nearest community (based on google measurements). January 28, 2018
• The SC exec reserves the right for players to be moved to a community other than the 2 closest communities if it’s in the best interest of the league and is agreed to by the player.

 

Transfer Process Between Regions* (i.e. From South Central to Carillon):

• Player shall request release form from league/regions they last were a member of and complete the necessary information on the Transfer/Release form. Player should then forward the form to the League/Region from which the player came from (Transferring League/Region).
• Transferring League/Region shall review and approve or deny request. If denied, it should be returned to the player. If approved, it should be completed and forwarded to the League/Region which the player wants to go to (Accepting League/Region) for completion.
• Accepting League/Region shall review and approve or deny request. If denied, it should be returned to the Transferring League/Region. If approved, it should be completed and forwarded to the South Central executive for verification.
• The South Central Executive shall advise the region/leagues of the decision.

* The 4 points above apply only for players that are transferring from another region into SC, or from SC into another region.

 

Pitch Count Rules - Page 139 from the Baseball MB Handbook

 

• Any player on the team is eligible to pitch and there are NO restrictions to the number of pitchers a coach may use in a game. This includes 9-year-old players in the 11U age category.
• An appearance shall be defined as 1 pitch thrown or more.
• Pitchers are permitted to have a maximum of 2 appearances in the same calendar day. If a pitcher requires a rest following the 1st appearance, they cannot return to pitch in the same day.

(Example: a 13U pitcher throws 29 pitches in their 1st appearance. That pitcher has not reached a rest threshold and may pitch in another game that calendar day. Another 13U pitcher throws 40 pitches in their 1st appearance. That pitcher has exceeded the no-rest threshold of 30 pitches and cannot pitch for the remainder of the day). The official scorekeeper will calculate the total pitches thrown for that calendar day and determine the required rest starting the next calendar day. These two appearances would only occur if 2 or more games are being played on the same day.

• Every pitch thrown in the game is counted (including foul tips, and all foul balls). Warm-up pitches between innings, or when a new pitcher enters the game, are not part of the count.
• A pitcher cannot pitch 3 consecutive days unless a pitcher’s first two (2) days combined does not exceed: 11U: 25                 13U: 30                15U: 35                18U: 40           22U: 45  

If a pitcher’s Day 1 + Day 2 total exceeds the figure shown above (and Rule 8 was not applied), they require at least one day’s rest. A pitcher cannot pitch four consecutive days. Minimally one days rest is required.

(Example: A 13U Pitcher throws 15 pitches on Day 1 (Friday). That same pitcher throws 10 pitches on Day 2 (Saturday). The two-day total is 25 pitches, which is less than the limit of 30. This pitcher can pitch on Day 3 (Sunday) to their maximum limit, which for 13U is 85.

• The official scorekeeper will calculate the total pitches thrown for that calendar day and determine the required rest (if any) starting the next calendar day. Athletes must not exceed the maximum pitch count total for that day. If there is no official Pitch Count scorekeeper, the home team Pitch Count scorekeeper will become the official Pitch Count scorekeeper.
• Once a player assumes the role of pitcher, they cannot catch for the remainder of the day. This rule allows a player 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.
• When a pitcher reaches the maximum number of pitches allowed for a threshold, he can complete the at-bat without the penalty on days of rest, if he does not pitch to another batter. In this situation, the number of pitches corresponding to the threshold reached will be indicated on the pitching log. The coach or manager needs to acknowledge this to the umpire at this moment prior to the next pitch. The Umpire would then notify the scorekeeper.

Example: 13U Pitcher uses 10 pitches on Friday. On Saturday, the coach declares on his/her 19^th pitch of the day that the pitcher will finish the batter (Using Rule 8). The pitcher finished the batter, using 4 pitches - making a 2-day total of 33. He/she will then be eligible to pitch on Sunday, being marked for 30 pitches.

• Pitchers will be permitted to finish the batter if their maximum pitch limit has been reached for that calendar day. (e.g. 75 for a 11U pitcher, 85 for a 13U pitcher)
• Intentional walks will be included in Pitch Count totals. Only pitches actually thrown will be included in Pitch Count totals. Automatic balls during an intentional walk do not count towards Pitch Count totals.

Example: if during a count of 2 balls - 0 strikes, a team signals to the umpire that a batter will receive an intentional walk, only 2 pitches will be counted for pitch count.

• Required Rest shall be defined in “Days” starting at 12:01 a.m. and ending at 11:59 p.m. of the next calendar day.
• A pitcher who is removed from the mound during the game shall not be permitted to return to pitch in the same game, even if the pitcher is retained in the game in another position.
• Baseball Canada’s Pitch Rules that do NOT apply in Manitoba (from the Baseball Canada Rule Book - Canadian Content: Rule 6.02(3): 2-day and Rule 6.02(4) [second half]: 4 day.
• All games, if stopped due to weather or lack of sunlight will be considered suspended and when play is resumed will start at the point at which they were stopped. All regular pitching rules will still be in effect and are not circumvented due to the interruption.
• If a game continues past 12:01am, those pitches are counted as if pitched prior to midnight. If a game is suspended, when it resumes it is defined as a different day.