Rules

Western Canada Baseball Association Rule Book

2026 WCBA Rule Book (Printable PDF)

Table Of Contents

Section 1 – Game Play Rules

Section 1.1 – Length of Game & Extra Innings
Section 1.2 – Mercy Rule
Section 1.3 – Suspended Games
Section 1.4 – Major Disruptions Due to Weather
Section 1.5 – Lineups
Section 1.6 – Pitch Count
Section 1.7 – Protests
Section 1.8 – Bat Rules
Section 1.9 – Compression Sleeves
Section 1.10 – Travesty of the Game
Section 1.11 – Dugouts
Section 1.12 – Technology & Communication

Section 2 – Game Procedures & Scheduling

Section 2.1 – Tiebreaking Rules
Section 2.2 – Tiebreaker Games
Section 2.3 – Pre-Game
Section 2.4 – Post-Game
Section 2.5 – Home Team Designation

Section 3 – Safety Rules

Section 3.1 – Headgear
Section 3.2 – Catchers
Section 3.3 – Spikes
Section 3.4 – Contact

Section 4 – Conduct & Discipline

Section 4.1 – Code of Conduct
Section 4.2 – Discipline Process & Sanctions
Section 4.3 – Coach Communication with Umpires

Section 5 – Eligibility Rules

Section 5.1 – Athletes
Section 5.2 – Roster Size
Section 5.3 – Coaches

Section 6 – Responsibilities

Section 6.1 – PSO Responsibilities
Section 6.2 – Host Club Responsibilities
Section 6.3 – Participating Team Responsibilities
Section 6.4 – WCBA Responsibilities
Section 6.5 – WCBA Representative Responsibilities
Section 6.6 – WCBA Staff

Section 7 – Pre-Championship Meeting

Section 1 – Game Play Rules

Section 1.1 – Length Of Game & Extra Innings

All games are seven innings, or 6 ½ innings if the home team is winning.

There are no tie games. In the round robin, tie games will be settled using the extra-inning procedure described in Baseball Canada Rule 5.10.

Rule 5.10 does not apply to semifinal or medal-round games.

Section 1.2 – Mercy Rule

Baseball Canada Rule 5.7 shall apply.

Section 1.3 – Suspended Games

Baseball Canada Rule 5.6 applies.

WCBA Exception: If the gold-medal game is called due to rain or darkness, five innings will constitute a complete game.

Section 1.4 – Major Disruptions Due To Weather

Given that the WCBA does not utilize a Monday rain day, the WCBA Representative, in consultation with the Competitions Coordinator and/or Secretary, may make changes to the published draw to complete the Championship. This may include cancelling games that do not impact the standings, reducing games to five innings, or revising the format.

Section 1.5 – Lineups

a) Designated Hitter

Baseball Canada Rule 5.2 applies at 15U AAA, 18U and higher.

At 15U AAA, a team may use a Designated Hitter or an Extra Hitter, but not both. A team may also elect to use neither an Extra Hitter nor a Designated Hitter.

b) Extra Hitter

Used only at 13U, 15U and 14U Girls. Baseball Canada Rule 5.3 applies.

At 15U AAA, the Extra Hitter may only be used if the team does not use a Designated Hitter.

c) Re-Entry

Used only at 13U, 15U and 14U Girls. Baseball Canada Rule 5.11 applies.

WCBA Exception #1: The allowance for re-entry due to an injury, as described in Baseball Canada Rule 5.11, applies to all Championships, including 18U and Senior Men’s.

WCBA Exception #2: The WCBA will allow a team to improperly re-enter a player due to an ejection that would otherwise cause a forfeit. This applies to all Championships. The opposing Manager chooses the player to be re-entered. This rule may only be used once per game by each team.

d) Designated Runners

Baseball Canada Rule 5.4 applies.

Section 1.6 – Pitch Count

Baseball Canada Rule 4.4 applies to all Championships.

Section 1.7 – Protests

Baseball Canada Rule 3.14 will apply, except that the protest fee will be $200.

WCBA Exception: The WCBA Representative shall rule on all protests in consultation with the Umpire Supervisor. The WCBA Representative may contact the Secretary or Competitions Coordinator for guidance.

Section 1.8 – Bat Rules

a) Baseball Canada Rule 5.12 shall apply to bats. 14U Girls will use the 13U bat rules.

WCBA Exception: At 15U AA, the 13U bat rule will apply, except the maximum weight-to-length differential will be minus five.

Section 1.9 – Compression Sleeves

Baseball Canada Rule 5.1 applies.

Section 1.10 – Travesty Of The Game

Baseball Canada Rule 2.5 applies.

Section 1.11 – Dugouts

Baseball Canada Rule 3.4 applies.

Section 1.12 – Technology & Communication

Baseball Canada Rule 5.14 applies.

Section 2 – Game Procedures & Scheduling

Section 2.1 – Tiebreaking Rules

Baseball Canada Rule 3.6 will apply.

Section 2.2 – Tiebreaker Games

Tiebreaker games will only be played in a five-team Championship when three teams are tied with a 3–1 record. The tiebreaker rule will be used to rank the teams first, second and third. The first-ranked team will advance to the final. The second- and third-ranked teams will play a tiebreaker game, with the second-ranked team having the choice of home team.

All tiebreaker games will be scheduled for three innings. The extra-inning procedure will be implemented beginning in the fourth inning.

Section 2.3 – Pre-Game

a) Baseball Canada Rule 3.4 applies to dugouts.

b) Baseball Canada Rule 3.8 applies to team arrival time.

c) Baseball Canada Rule 3.9 applies to infield and outfield warmup.

d) Baseball Canada Rule 3.10 applies to communication related to start times.

e) Baseball Canada Rule 3.11 applies to the submission of lineups.

f) Baseball Canada Rule 3.12 applies to communication related to the starting pitcher.

Section 2.4 – Post-Game

a) Baseball Canada Rule 3.13 applies to post-game procedures.

b) Baseball Canada Rule 3.7 applies to time between games.

c) The official scorekeeper must review pitch counts with both Managers, who must sign the pitch-count form and scoresheet.

Section 2.5 – Home Team Designation

The home team is designated on the schedule. In the Championship Final, the first-place team from the round robin has the choice of home team.

Section 3 – Safety Rules

Section 3.1 – Headgear

Baseball Canada Rule 4.1 applies.

Section 3.2 – Catchers

Baseball Canada Rule 4.2 applies.

Section 3.3 – Spikes

Baseball Canada Rule 4.3 applies.

Metal spikes are not permitted at 14U Girls.

Section 3.4 – Contact

Baseball Canada Rule 5.9 applies.

Section 4 – Conduct & Discipline

Section 4.1 – Code Of Conduct

a) All participants are subject to both their provincial Code of Conduct and the WCBA Code of Conduct. The WCBA will adopt Baseball Canada’s Code of Conduct for its Championships:

https://baseball.ca/uploads/files/National%20Code%20of%20Conduct%20.pdf

b) Baseball Canada’s tobacco policy applies under Rule 2.4.

c) Players and coaches may not consume alcohol within the beer garden while in uniform.

d) Baseball Canada Rule 2.6 applies to anthem standoffs.

Section 4.2 – Discipline Process & Sanctions

Baseball Canada’s discipline process, as described in Rule 3.15, will apply and will be implemented by the WCBA Representative.

WCBA Exception: Baseball Canada Rule 3.15 E and Rule 3.16 do not apply.

Section 4.3 – Coach Communication With Umpires

All communication with umpires is expected to be respectful.

Only the Head Coach may approach an umpire to discuss a call.

Coaches are not permitted to argue judgment calls or balls and strikes. Coaches who do so shall be warned and/or ejected.

Coaches may respectfully approach an umpire regarding a judgment call to ask that the umpire consult their crew. For example, if the base umpire called a runner out but the offensive Head Coach believed the first baseman’s foot was off the base, the Head Coach may approach the base umpire and say, “I have his foot off the base. Can you check with the plate umpire?”

The umpire is not obligated to ask for help. There shall be no further discussion about the play if the crew decides to consult.

Section 5 – Eligibility Rules

Section 5.1 – Athletes

Baseball Canada Rule 1.2 A applies to amateur-status requirements and reinstatement. References to Baseball Canada approval and forms are changed to WCBA approval and forms.

Baseball Canada Rule 1.2 B applies to Canadian-citizen requirements.

Baseball Canada Rule 1.2 C (i–iv) applies to provincial-registration requirements.

Baseball Canada Rule 1.2 D applies to age, except that no overage players are permitted. Female athletes receive one additional year of eligibility.

Two neighbouring provinces may agree to allow a provincial transfer due to the accessibility of local baseball programs. For example, a Manitoba player who lives 20 kilometres from the Saskatchewan border may be 200 kilometres from a baseball program within their own province.

Players may only participate in one WCBA event per year, except that Senior teams may pick up players who have participated in the 22U Championship during the current year.

Section 5.2 – Roster Size

Each roster may contain a maximum of 18 players and four coaches, except Senior rosters, which may include 21 players, and 22U rosters, which may include 20 players.

Trainers are not permitted on the bench but may enter the field in the event of an injury. The trainer may not be in uniform and is not permitted to coach players.

Bat kids are permitted on the bench and must wear a helmet at all times.

Section 5.3 – Coaches

a) Baseball Canada Rule 1.3 C applies to the minimum coaching age.

b) Coaches may only be listed on one roster in any Championship.

c) Baseball Canada Rule 1.5 D applies when a team has insufficient coaches.

d) Coaches must possess the following certification to be eligible:

Coaching Certification Requirements

18U AAA
Head Coach: 16U+ Competition Certified
Assistant Coach: 16U+ Competition Trained

15U AAA
Head Coach: 15U Competition Certified
Assistant Coach: 15U Competition Trained

13U AAA and 14U Girls
Head Coach: 13U Competition Certified
Assistant Coach: 13U Competition Trained

13U AA, 15U AA, 18U AA and 22U
Head Coach: 13U Competition Certified
Assistant Coach: 13U Competition Trained

Senior
Community Sport Initiation Online Module
Coach Initiation in Baseball Online Module

Required Courses

With the exception of Senior, all coaches require the following courses:

• Coach Initiation in Sport Online Module
• Coach Initiation in Baseball Online Module
• Pitching and Catching Clinic
• Absolutes Clinic, or certified/trained transferred status
• Planning Clinic
• Safe Sport Training

With the exception of Senior, all Head Coaches require the following courses:

• Online Portfolio Tasks & Evaluation
• Practice Evaluation
• Making Ethical Decisions Online Evaluation

Coaches at 15U AAA and 18U AAA also require the following courses:

• Strategies Clinic
• Skills Clinic, or certified transferred status

Head Coaches at 15U AAA and 18U AAA also require the following course:

• Game Evaluation

A coach who does not possess the mandatory certification will not be eligible to participate in the Championship and will be removed from the team’s roster.

Section 6 – Responsibilities

Section 6.1 – PSO Responsibilities

a) Determine the Host Club for each Championship to be hosted within the province by April 1. PSOs may select one or more hosts for AA Championships.

b) Name a WCBA Representative by July 1. The Representative’s name and contact information must be provided to the Competitions Coordinator and Secretary.

c) Assign an Umpire Supervisor to each Championship hosted within the province. The Umpire Supervisor’s name and contact information must be provided to the WCBA Competitions Coordinator by July 1. The Umpire Supervisor is expected to participate in a training session regarding WCBA competition procedures and rules.

d) Assign umpires to each Championship hosted within the province. 22U and Senior require three umpires for all games. All umpires must hold Level 2 certification. At AAA Championships, at least one umpire on the field must hold Level 3 certification. 14U Girls, 22U and Senior are considered AAA Championships.

e) Review Section 6.2 of this Rule Book with the Host Club.

f) Advise the WCBA by March 1 if the PSO is unable to host a Championship. Any PSO that withdraws from hosting after May 1 shall be fined $500. A PSO unable to host loses its place in the hosting rotation.

g) Confirm participation in Championships by May 1. Any PSO withdrawing from an event after May 1 shall be fined $1,000. This deadline is extended to July 1 for 22U.

h) Pay the provincial membership fee of $50 by April 1.

i) Pay the team registration fee of $350 by April 1. This fee does not apply to the Host team.

j) Notify the WCBA by February 15 if the PSO is unable to host a Championship.

k) Submit team rosters to the Competitions Coordinator within three days of the Championship. The Competitions Coordinator will create a master package of rosters for each event and distribute it to the provinces, WCBA Representatives and Secretary/Treasurer.

Failure to submit rosters on time will result in a $500 fine. Rosters approved by a PSO are not subject to protest. Roster changes may only be made before the Championship through the PSO.

l) Ensure the Host uses Rawlings ROMC or ROML baseballs at 18U, 22U and Senior, and baseballs meeting a minimum 80CC standard at 15U and younger.

m) Advise the WCBA by May 1 of the date its teams will qualify in each division.

Section 6.2 – Host Club Responsibilities

a) Provide an adequate playing field compliant with the dimensions contained in Baseball Canada Rule 3.13 and have access to a backup field if required due to weather, unless otherwise approved by the hosting PSO.

b) Name a Host Chairperson by April 1. The Chairperson’s name and contact information must be provided to the Competitions Coordinator. The Host Chairperson may not be listed on a team roster.

c) Produce a Championship program. The program must include a standalone WCBA logo on the front cover that is not morphed with other logos, along with a message from the WCBA President. The 15U AAA program must include a photograph of and message about Art Berard.

d) Display the WCBA flag, which the Host may keep following the Championship.

e) The Host is encouraged to display the four provincial flags and the Canadian flag.

f) Organize an Opening Ceremony on the Friday of the Championship. All teams are required to attend and be on the field. The WCBA Representative must be provided with an opportunity to speak. O Canada shall be played or sung, and a land acknowledgement should be read.

g) Organize a closing medal ceremony involving only the teams that have won medals. The WCBA Representative shall make the medal presentations with the Host Chairperson.

h) Block book 15 hotel rooms per team with two double beds. At 22U and Senior, only seven rooms per team are required.

i) Provide transportation at 50 cents per kilometre, accommodation in a motel or hotel, and a $50-per-day meal allowance for the WCBA Representative, unless otherwise determined by the PSO.

j) Pay for umpires, including travel and accommodation, unless otherwise determined by the PSO.

k) A Host may charge teams an advance gate fee of $500 for the weekend. If this fee is charged, no other admission fees are permitted.

If the Host does not charge an advance team gate fee, it may charge an admission fee not exceeding $35 per person for the Championship.

l) Provide a location for a pre-Championship meeting if requested by the WCBA. The meeting may be held online before the Championship.

m) Refer to the Championship as the “Western Canada Baseball Championship.” The use of the word “Canadian” is not permitted.

n) The Host has the option to organize a beer garden at any event in compliance with all local and provincial laws.

o) Provide one jug of water per team, per game, with individual cups.

p) Ensure the safety of the playing area, including but not limited to repairing exposed points on fences, ensuring bases are secured safely, and filling holes or low spots in the dirt or grass.

q) Have a grounds crew responsible for preparing the fields, including repairing the mound and home-plate area, lining the field, and watering the field when necessary.

r) Have a garbage can in or near each dugout.

s) Ensure there is an outfield boundary fence at the proper dimensions. A snow fence is not permitted.

t) Have diamond dry or a similar product available in case of inclement weather.

u) Ensure player and coach safety in batting cages and during on-field batting practice, including having L-screens available.

v) Have basic first-aid supplies available.

w) Post an Emergency Action Plan created in consultation with the Competitions Coordinator before the Championship.

x) Post the schedule in a prominent location. Scores must be updated on the posted schedule and online after each game.

y) Post pitch-count records in a public location and update them after each game.

z) Assign an official scorekeeper and pitch-count tracker to each game.

aa) Provide the WCBA Representative with a list of park ground rules.

bb) The Host may provide additional awards, such as game and tournament MVP awards.

cc) Score all games live using GameChanger.

Section 6.3 – Participating Team Responsibilities

Participating teams are responsible for:

a) The cost of travel to and from the Championship.

b) The cost of accommodation.

c) Meals.

d) Ensuring compliance with the applicable Code of Conduct.

e) Ensuring coaches and managers wear the required uniform. The fine is $50 per violation.

f) Completing all games in the Championship. Failure to do so will result in a $750 fine.

g) Cooperating with the Host by providing player histories, statistics and team photographs.

h) Participating in the Opening Ceremony in proper dress.

i) Paying any fines assessed for property damage caused while attending a Championship.

Section 6.4 – WCBA Responsibilities

a) Provide a WCBA keeper flag to the Host.

b) Provide medals to the Host. Twenty-two gold and silver medals will be provided for each Championship, in addition to 22 bronze medals at 13U AAA and 14U Girls. Twenty-five gold and silver medals will be provided at Senior.

c) Set the Championship schedule in consultation with the provinces and Host.

d) Provide training to the WCBA Representative and Umpire Supervisor.

e) Hold an Annual General Meeting in Canada by February 1 each year.

f) Provide the host PSO with $500 for baseballs at each event.

Section 6.5 – WCBA Representative Responsibilities

a) Approve the Host’s ground rules in consultation with the Umpire Supervisor and communicate the rules to the teams.

b) Perform a field-safety inspection.

c) Ensure a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment is created for all participants.

d) Rule on all disciplinary matters.

e) Rule on all protests.

f) Oversee pitch-count tracking.

g) Make schedule changes resulting from weather or other circumstances in consultation with the Competitions Coordinator and Secretary/Treasurer.

h) Submit a report to the Secretary and Competitions Coordinator by September 15.

i) Ensure scores are updated by the Host.

Section 6.6 – WCBA Staff

a) Lead the process of creating Championship schedules in consultation with the Secretary.

b) Provide training to WCBA Representatives and Umpire Supervisors.

c) Host a pre-Championship meeting through Zoom for all teams. See the agenda below.

d) Collect and circulate rosters.

Section 7 – Pre-Championship Meeting

The pre-Championship meeting shall be held online at a time and date determined by the WCBA.

WCBA staff shall set the agenda for the meeting. The agenda must include:

a) A review of schedules and weather-contingency plans.

b) A review of significant rules and regulations.

c) A review of conduct expectations and discipline procedures.

d) A review of pitch-count rules and tracking procedures.

e) An opportunity for individuals to ask questions.

The meeting shall be recorded and circulated to anyone unable to attend.