In addition to the common rules, these rules apply to minor A:
- Players pitch from 46’ with no deviation allowed. Bases are 60’ apart.
- Only the player at bat can hold a bat. Players that are “on deck” and “in the hole” cannot take practice swings or even touch a bat. This is to prevent injuries.
- Stealing of all bases, including home plate*, is allowed (including “straight steals”).
- Players CAN advance to home plate (i.e. steal home) on a passed ball/wild pitch unless the team batting is leading be 5 or more runs. When up by 5 runs or more, the base runner must stay at 3rd base.
- Runners must wait until the pitched ball reaches the plate before breaking contact with their base (leading-off). If they lead-off and try to advance on a passed ball or wild pitch, the base umpire will wait for the play to be over, call time and tell the runner to return to his/her last occupied base (along with any other runners that advanced). If they lead-off and a fair ball is hit, apply penalties as per Rule 7.13(b).
- Maximum 5 runs per inning.
- The Infield Fly Rule is in effect.
- There are no illegal pitches in minor A.