Umpires and Rules

principles

UMPIRES hiring Opens in new windowUmpires

The league is currently hiring officials for the upcoming season. The commitment is Saturdays from May 13 - June 17 with a three-day tournament June 23 - 25. Pay is $30/hour. 

Help support youth baseball! Submit your application today, by visiting our job posting site.

Rules

Local rules are followed in the Montrose Youth Competitive Baseball league. Where a local rule does not address a concern, Babe Ruth rules are supplemented.

Bat Rule

The league has adopted a bat rule requiring all athletes to swing either the USA bat or the BBCOR bat. The majority of youth baseball organizations support and have adopted the new regulations as they believe it is best for the long-term integrity of youth baseball.  The USA and BBCOR bat will behave like a wood bat, encouraging the ball to stay in play.  The USA bat will be lighter to swing compared to a wood bat and less top-heavy, allowing the athlete to put more form into the swing.  The BBCOR bat is heavier bat than the USA bat with a lower drop weight, specifically designed for High School athletes. For our 13-15-year-old age groups, barrel size will be limited to 2 5/8 inches.   

The league will provide two bats per team, but if you choose to purchase a bat for your young athlete, please make sure the bat will have the USA or BBCOR bat stamp.  

Which bat is right for you, USA or BBCOR?

Bats are typically referenced based on their drop rating or rather "drop weight".  Drop weight is the difference between the length and weight of the bat, so a bat that is 30 inches long and has a drop weight of -10 will weigh 20 ounces. The bigger the drop weight is, the lighter the bat will weigh.  

BBCOR Bats feature bats that do not exceed a -3 drop weight, which means it is heavier to swing. BBCOR baseball bats are considered Adult Baseball Bats and are required for play in High School and Collegiate Leagues, while some Middle School Leagues require all baseball bats to carry the BBCOR. 

USA Bats features a bat that ranges from -13.5 to -5 drop weight, which allows even the youngest player to swing it confidently.  They are specifically tailored to ages 5-13.

See the following recommendations on bats with regard to drop rating:

  • 9-10-year-olds: USA bat stamp -11 drop and -10 drop
  • 11-12-year-olds:  USA bat stamp -9 drop to -6 drop
  • 13-year-olds:  USA bat stamp -8 drop to -3 drop depending on the size and strength of the athlete. Some may benefit from a BBCOR if transitioning into High School.
  • 14-15-year-olds: BBCOR

Montrose Youth Competitive Softball

Montrose Youth Competitive Softball follows the USSSA Fastpitch Rules. For more information and guidance on the rules visit USSSA.com.