cliftonparkbaseballleague.com

amended 1/4//2010

Playing Rules for Babe Ruth’s

Cal Ripken Divisions (Ages 5-12)

The Clifton Park Baseball League’s Cal Ripken Division plays baseball using the official Babe Ruth - Cal Ripken Division baseball rules, further modified by the rules detailed in this document.

General Rules Applicable to All Cal Ripken Age Divisions

Safety:

1. If lightning is sighted, all games are immediately stopped on all fields. As soon as possible, player's should leave the playing field area and seek safe cover. League policy requires a 30 minute delay after lightning is sighted before play is permitted to continue.

2. Medicine kits must be available for every game and stored in the garage storage area (Lower Quad) or equipment storage bin located in the dugout (Upper Quad).

3. Chin straps must be worn any time a batting helmet is being used.

4. Batters and runners must wear helmets with straps secured. No player may swing a bat without a batting helmet on.

5. No on-deck batters; bats cannot be swung anywhere in the dugouts.

6. Catchers must wear a protective cup for all games and practices and use a catcher’s mitt (ages 8 & up).

7. Any person (players, coaches) catching a pitcher's warm up throws at home plate must wear a protective mask.

8. Darkness – the game ends with the completion of the current half-inning when

· Lower Quad–darkness-sensor lights (located on concession stand) come on

· Upper Quad–darkness-sensor light near Ice Arena/playground comes on.

No exceptions. Game score reverts to last inning completed.

9. Other than players in the game nobody is allowed on the field, including foul territory, while game is in progress, except for 1^st and 3^rd base coaches. This rule does not apply for age groups 7 and under.

10. The throwing of curveballs by any player is expressly prohibited. The head coach and the offending player shall be considered equally responsible for a violation by that player.

11. If used, scoreboards must be monitored by adults - not kids

Field Maintenance:

1. All equipment, including tractors, mules, rakes, etc., must be secured at the end of each day. The coaches of the last game finishing and the director are responsible for this.

2. Home team must line the field prior to the beginning of the game. On a weekend game, the home coach should get the visiting coaches OK not to line the fields if the markings are OK from the previous game.

3. Visitor team cleans and rakes the fields after each game.

Umpires:

1. Home team coach must sign umpire game form before game begins. Any comments may be submitted in the coach's carbon and turned into the concession stand. Youth umpires copies are not for comments.

2. The strike zone used by youth umpires in A and AA Divisions will be from the batter’s shoulders to knees, and from 1 ball width off home plate on the inside and to 1 ball width on the outside of home plate. For AAA and Majors, it is the same strike zone, except that it will start at the batter’s armpits at the top of the strike zone.

3. Asking a youth umpire about a call is expected, but arguing is not acceptable.

4. Intimidation, bench jockeying, riding or any unsportsmanlike behavior from coaches will not be tolerated. One verbal warning will be followed by an ejection.

5. Teams and coaches are expected to act in a sportsmanlike manner. Teach your players to respect each other. The Code of Conduct will be enforced.

6. Any clarification of calls made on the field should be requested by each team’s head coach only.

7. Umpires are always right. Any discussions of controversial calls should be made with the umpire crew chief, umpire supervisor, League Umpire-in-Chief, league director, or Cal Ripken official (if available) and preferably both coaches after the game is over. Please discuss with parents to be sportsmanlike (i.e. do not cheer or demean opposing team’s mistakes).

Game Rules:

1. Home team will supply two game balls. Home team shall take the 1st base dugout. Regulation game length is 6 innings, with 1 maximum extra inning if the game is tied after 6 innings.

2. Only registered players and coaches are allowed in the dugouts/on the field. No more than 4 coaches for team are allowed in the dugouts/on the field at one time during the game, for all divisions.

3. Weekend games will be final after no more than two hours and 15 minutes. An incomplete inning will revert back to the previous inning unless home team is leading.

4. All players will be listed in the batting order and will bat regardless of whether they are playing in the field.

5. There will be no 10 run, or mercy rule, in effect.

6. Playing Time - No player shall sit a 2^nd inning before all players have sat once.

7. Rotate player positions in order for players to experience all aspects of the game.

7.1 The rule is that each player will be placed in the infield for a minimum of 2 innings. In addition, each player is required to play at least 1 inning in an outfield position. At the Cal Ripken level (9 or older), coaches and players should begin discussing what are the appropriate fielding positions for that player (what they like and what they are good at). Each player should still get opportunities to play at each position. Safety concerns should always be considered. All players will be substituted equitably. It is a good idea for coaches to monitor themselves by tracking the positions from the score books in order to be fair. Reminder - Parents are always monitoring.

7.2 If players are not capable of pitching or catching during games, then make sure they get chances in practices and scrimmages.

8. Any player or coach ejected from a game must sit out the next game also.

9. Each team (Divsions A, AA, AAA & Majors) can score a maximum of 4 runs per inning. This rule applies to 8 year olds beginning June 1 (see Age Specific Rules, Intermediates / 8 Year Olds).

9.1 Teams will not be held to the 4 run limit in the sixth inning, but three outs will still apply. This rule may not be used in any other inning including games where time and/or daylight constraints may not allow the sixth inning to be played.

10. Pitchers do not wear a helmet to pitch. Age 7 and under must wear helmet for pitcher position.

11. No re-entry rule for pitchers. This rule is different for post-season tournament play.

13. Once a pitcher has pitched two innings they are required two days rest (48 hours). An inning is considered pitched if even one ball is thrown. A pitcher is limited to a maximum of 2 innings pitched per game (excludes travel, all-star, and tournament games).

14. A pitcher is limited to a maximum of 70 pitches per game.

15. You must have and maintain a schedule that logs all your pitcher's innings. This schedule should be available, upon request, to the opponent's head coach, the Division Director, and the Vice President for Cal Ripken Division.

16. Both teams must use the score book to record each game’s players, pitchers, runs, hits, outs, walks, strikeouts, etc.

17. The home team must notify the Division Director of the game results (as outlined by the age specific Division Director) the same evening of the game. The notification shall include the score and the names of the pitchers used by each team and the number of innings pitched.

18. A post-season playoff tournament, arranged by the Division Director , will be conducted (for Majors, AAA, AA, A) which will include all regular season teams.

Miscellaneous:

1. Clifton Park Baseball League Policy is that no child can be left alone for any period of time during practice or the game. Someone must be left in charge of each child at all times and that does not mean the coach. Please be sure and clear that all parents understand this policy.

DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES

MAJORS DIVISION / 11-12 YEAR OLDS

Batting

1) All rules regarding batting in this Division shall be in accordance with the official Babe Ruth Cal Ripken Baseball rule book.

2) Only certified youth baseball bats with a diameter of 2 1/4 inches may be used for league play (e.g., Little League, Cal Ripken, etc.). No Big Barrel Bats.

3) No batter may advance to 1^st base on a third strike.

4) Suicide squeeze bunts are not permitted. Faking a bunt, to draw the infield in, and then taking a full swing is dangerous to the fielders and is not allowed.

Fielding

1) Defense consists of 9 players in the field. A minimum of 8 players must play in the field in order to start the game.

2) Infield fly rule is in effect.

3) Decoys are not permitted.

Pitching

1) All rules regarding pitching in this Division shall be in accordance with Official Babe Ruth rules (which includes pitching from the stretch and balks), except rules with regard to innings pitched, which will be limited to the rules outlined in the Cal Ripken Rule Book, General Rules (#10 through #16) reflected on pages 3 and 4, and rule 3.2 and 3.3 shown below.

2) Each pitcher will be allowed 1 warnings per inning with regard to Balks. After June 1^st, there will be no warnings; all balks will carry the appropriate penalty.

3) Both 11 year olds and 12 year olds are required to pitch one-third of the scheduled innings for the week. The remaining one-third innings can be pitched as determined by the Head Coach.

4) Innings pitched by a player in the league sanctioned 11/12 year olds travel program during the same week (Monday through Sunday) will be reduced from the six available innings the player is eligible to pitch in the league’s Cal Ripken program.

Base Running

1) All rules regarding base running, base runners, leading and stealing shall be in accordance with Official Babe Ruth rules (which includes leading and stealing from a lead), with the exception of rule 4.2.

2) Straight steal attempts of home plate are not permitted.(i.e., on a Pitcher’s pitch from the rubber to the batter). All other steal attempts of home are permitted (e.g., delayed steal on catcher, pitcher’s attempt to play on another runner, any time when pitcher is not in contact with rubber, etc.)

1) Any extra inning played will revert to the 4 run limit and be limited to the time constraints listed above. Also, only one extra inning is permitted before game is final (7 inning game maximum).

1.1 If both coaches do not feel they can complete a full inning within the time available then do not start the inning. If game is still tied after completion of extra inning, game ends as a tie.

2) An official game per Cal Ripken rules and regulations must reach the minimum limit of 3 1/2 (home team leading) or 4 innings played (visitor leading).

1) The field dimensions in effect for this Division will be base distances of 70 feet and a pitching distance of 50 feet 6 inches from the pitching rubber to home plate.

“AAA” DIVISION / 11-12 YEAR OLDS

Batting

1) All rules regarding batting in this Division shall be in accordance with the official Cal Ripken Baseball rule book.

2) Only certified youth baseball bats with a diameter of 2 1/4 inches may be used for league play (e.g., Little League, Cal Ripken, etc.). No Big Barrel Bats.

3) No batter may advance to 1^st base on a third strike.

4) Suicide squeeze bunts are not permitted. Faking a bunt, to draw the infield in, and then taking a full swing is dangerous to the fielders and is not allowed.

Fielding

1) Defense consists of 9 players in the field. A minimum of 8 players must play in the field in order to start the game.

2) Infield fly rule is in effect.

3) Decoys are not permitted.

Pitching

2) Each pitcher will be allowed 2 warnings per inning with regard to Balks. After June 1^st, there will be no warnings; all balks will carry the appropriate penalty.

3) Innings pitched by a player in the league sanctioned 12 year olds travel program during the same week (Monday through Sunday) will be reduced from the six available innings the player is eligible to pitch in the league’s Cal Ripken Rec program.

4) Make sure pitchers do not throw more than 70 pitches in a game including on-field warm-up pitches

Base Running

2) Straight steal attempts of home plate are not permitted (i.e. on a pitcher’s pitch from the rubber to the batter). All other steal attempts of home are permitted (e.g., delayed steal on catcher, pitcher’s attempt to play on another runner, any time when pitcher is not in contact with rubber, etc.).

1) Any extra inning played will revert to the 4 run limit and be limited to the time constraints listed above. Also, only one extra inning is permitted before game is final (7 inning game maximum).

1.1 If both coaches do not feel they can complete a full inning within the time available then do not start the inning. If game is still tied after completion of extra inning, game ends as a tie.

2) An official game per Cal Ripken rules and regulations must reach the minimum limit of 3 1/2 (home team leading) or 4 innings played (visitor leading).

1) The field dimensions in effect for this Division will be base distances of 70 feet and a pitching distance of 50 feet 6 inches from the pitching rubber to home plate.

1) Bunting is allowed (situational bunting and for a base hit). Faking a bunt, to draw the infield in, and then taking a full swing is dangerous to the fielders and is not allowed.

1) Defense consists of 9 players in the field. A minimum of 8 players must play in the field in order to start the game.

3) Outfielders cannot receive the ball at a base for a force out in the infield. This also includes unassisted put outs that are not force-outs. Outfielders are allowed to become an infielder if involved in a rundown.

4) Outfielders should be encouraged to play at least 20 feet from the infield cut. A game will not be stopped to enforce this rule, but coaches should be aware and reinforce this with their players.

1) Player pitchers will pitch using regular Cal Ripken baseball rules including modifications reflected in the General Rules on pages 3 and 4. Four balls will constitute a walk per normal baseball rules.

2) Make sure pitchers do not throw more than 70 pitches in a game including on-field warm-up pitches

Base Running

1.2 Second and third are the only bases you can steal. However see rule 1.3 below.

1.3 You can proceed to home on a play on any runner. If runners are on first and third, the runner on third can score on a throw to second in an attempt to get the runner stealing from first. A runner from third can also leave if he is played on.

2) Reminder: the runner must avoid the fielding player as long as that fielder is attempting to play the ball; otherwise, the fielder must not interfere with the runner.

1) Any extra inning played will revert to the 4 run limit and be limited to the time constraints listed above. Also, only one extra inning is permitted before game is final (7 inning max.).

1.1 If both coaches do not feel they can complete a full inning within the time available then do not start the inning. If game is still tied after mpletion of extra inning, game ends as a tie.

1.2 An official game per Cal Ripken rules and regulations must reach the minimum limit of 3 1/2 (home team leading) or 4 innings played (visitor leading).

A DIVISION / 9-YEAR OLDS

Batting

1) Bunting is allowed but not encouraged (situational bunting is appropriate and instructional, but bunting for a hit is discouraged in this Division). Faking a bunt, to draw the infield in, and then taking a full swing is dangerous to the fielders and is not allowed.

Fielding

1) Ten or a minimum of 8 players must play in the field in order to start the game.

1.1 If using ten players, 4 will be outfielders. Outfield positions will consist of 4 outfielders (LF, LC, RC and RF). No short fielders.

2) There is no infield fly rule.

4) Outfielders should be positioned approximately 20 feet from the infield cut. A game will not be stopped to enforce this rule, but coaches should be aware and reinforce this with their players.

Pitching

1) Pitcher will pitch from the rubber with an overhand motion.

2) Player pitchers will pitch up to a count of 4 balls before a coach relieves the player pitcher for the first half of season. Second half of season (all games scheduled after Memorial
Day), 4 balls will constitute a walk per normal baseball rules.

2.1 Thus a maximum of 6 pitches, 4 balls and 2 strikes (unless the last pitch is fouled off).

2.2 Coach pitcher will continue with the strike count. Thus a batter will either hit the ball or strike out but not walk or be awarded 1st base as a hit batsman.

2.3 Coach pitcher will pitch a maximum of 5 pitches with the exception of a foul ball on the last pitch.

2.4 Coach pitcher will pitch from the rubber with an overhand motion.

2.5 When a Coach pitcher relieves, the player pitcher shall be no closer to home plate than the Coach. Must stand to one side with one foot in the dirt area of the mound.

Base Running

1) Stealing is allowed once a pitch has reached the plate.

1.1 Runners cannot lead.

1.2 Second and third are the only bases you can steal.

1.3 You cannot proceed to home on an overthrow during a steal attempt. If runners are on first and third, the runner on third cannot score on a throw to second in an attempt to get the runner stealing from first. A runner from third must be batted in.

2) Reminder: the runner must avoid the fielding player as long as that fielder is attempting to play the ball; otherwise, the fielder must not interfere with the runner.

Scoring

1) Any extra inning played will revert to the 4 run limit and be limited to the time constraints listed above. Also, only one extra inning is permitted before game is final (7 inning game maximum).

1.1 If both coaches do not feel they can complete a full inning within the time available then do not start the inning. If game is still tied after completion of extra inning, game ends as a tie.

2) An official game per Cal Ripken rules and regulations must reach the minimum limit of 3 1/2 (home team leading) or 4 innings played (visitor leading).

2) A youth umpire will be behind the plate, to call balls and strikes. Adult base coaches will be the base umpires.

3) Batters should be encouraged to swing for hits and not wait for a coach pitcher.

1) Ten player positions will be used on defense, if in attendance. A minimum of eight players must play in the field in order to start the game.

2) If using ten players, four will be outfielders. Outfield positions will consist of 4 outfielders (LF, LC, RC and RF). No short fielders.

3) Outfielders cannot receive the ball at a base for a force-out in the infield. This also includes unassisted put outs that are not force-outs. Outfielders are allowed to become an infielder if involved in a rundown.

4) Outfielders should be positioned at least 20 feet from infield cut. A game will not be stopped to enforce this rule, but coaches should be aware and reinforce this with their players.

1) Coach pitchers will pitch for the first 4 innings of the game, and player pitchers will pitch the final 2 innings of the game. If the pace of the game indicates that a full 6 innings will not be possible within League time limits, then coaches will make every effort to ensure that player pitchers pitch for 2 innings, including reducing the number of innings for coach pitchers.

2) Player and coach pitchers will pitch from the pitching rubber, with an overhand motion. To minimize height differences with the batter, the coach pitcher should pitch from the one-knee-down position whenever possible.

3) During coach pitcher-only innings, there is a maximum of 7 pitches per batter (unless the last pitch is a foul). There are no walks or being awarded 1st base on a hit-batsman when the coach is pitching. After 7 pitches, the batter is ruled out if he has not reached base.

4) Player pitchers will pitch up to a count of 4 balls, after which a coach pitcher will relieve the player pitcher.

4.1 Thus a maximum of 6 pitches, 4 balls and 2 strikes (unless the last pitch is fouled off).

4.2 Coach pitcher will continue with the strike count. Thus a batter will either hit the ball or strike out but not walk or be awarded 1st base as a hit batsman.

4.3 Coach pitcher will pitch a maximum of 5 pitches with the exception of a foul ball on the last pitch.

4.4 When a Coach pitcher relieves, the player pitcher shall be no closer to home plate than the Coach. Must stand to one side with one foot in the dirt area of the mound, no closer to the plate than the pitching rubber.

Base running

2) Base runners may advance on a hit ball to the outfield until the ball is returned to the infield. This will encourage players to have their players make throws to the appropriate bases. NOTE: IN POST SEASON 8 YEAR OLD TOURNAMENTS LEVEL, RUNNERS OFTEN ARE ALLOWED TO ADVANCE UNTIL THE BALL IS THROWN TO THE PITCHER CIRCLE.

1) The first half of the year we will play seven batters per inning. After “Memorial Day” we will play three outs or four runs per inning.

This Division is intended to be non-to-low competitive. The goals of the Head Coach and their assistant coaches are to teach the basic fundamentals, which shall include the proper mechanics of throwing and hitting, along with the basic rules of the game. Adherence to the rules, teamwork, and sportsmanship are to be emphasized.

2. All players will be put into the line-up, and each team will bat half of their batting order each inning.

4. Each game will be at least 4 innings, and up to 6 innings with time permitting.

5) Play will stop when the batted ball to the outfield is returned to the infield or thrown to the coach/pitcher. Base runners may continue running to the next unoccupied base until the ball is returned to the infield (and runners should be encouraged to do so), but they are always at risk of being put out. When a legitimate out is made on a batter or base runner, it will be counted as an out for purposes of removing the base runner from the base (this is developmental - please explain why they are returning to the bench); however, 3 outs made in one inning will not end an inning (the hitting team will still bat half their line-up). Outfielders should be discouraged from running ball back into infield or covering bases. Please teach to have outfielders throw the ball to return it to the infield.

6) Each player must play in the infield at least 2 innings and in the outfield at least 1 inning.

7) Coaches will pitch from at least the edge of the Pitcher’s mound circle, from the one-knee-down posiiton. Pitching will be overhand. Pitched ball should be thrown flat (on a line using just enough velocity to keep it a flat pitch), not arched. Rainbows are for thunderstorms. “Ready-Set- Turn” system should be used with the batter.

8) There are no walks or strike outs. Each batter will get 7 pitches, if needed. A tee may be used after 7 pitches. 7^th pitch must be hittable. (7 pitches is not a hard rule, but let’s keep the games moving).

9) Each team shall bat half of their players each inning regardless of the number of runs scored or outs made. Utilize assistant coaches and have on-deck batter, with helmet on, ready to bat to keep game moving.

11) The player in the Pitcher position must wear a batting helmet (with a chin strap) and is not allowed to “roam around the mound.” The child pitcher must stand to either side of the mound, with one foot on the dirt area of the mound (and no closer to the plate than the pitching rubber).

12) Defense: Use the catcher’s gear and divide the players between infield and outfield. Infield positions must consist of 4 players at the standard infield positions, 1 player behind the plate as catcher, and 1 player at the Pitcher’s position. Outfield positions will consist of 4 outfielders (LF, LC, RC and RF). No short fielders.

13) No scores or team standings. All players will receive trophies of equal size.

14) Generally, no rain-outs will be rescheduled; however, if excessive games are canceled, coaches may seek approval for re-scheduling from the Division Director and League Cal Ripken official.

15) Home team will supply the game balls. Safety balls only. The Home team should make sure the game balls are returned to them at the completion of the game.

16) No forfeits. If a team is not able to field enough players, then players from both teams will be pooled together and divided equally to play the game. The lending team may alternate loaned players from inning to inning when doing this.

5) Coaches will pitch from an area in front of the pitcher’s rubber. Pitched ball should be thrown flat (on a line using just enough velocity to keep it a flat pitch), not arched. Rainbows are for thunderstorms. “Ready-Set- Turn” system should be used.

7) Each team shall bat half of their players each inning regardless of the number of runs scored or outs made. Utilize assistant coaches and have on-deck batter, with helmet on, ready to bat to keep game moving.

8) There are no walks or strike-outs. Give each child at least 5 swings before using a batting tee.

9) Defense: Use the catcher’s gear and divide the players between infield and outfield. Infield positions must consist of 4 players at the standard infield positions, 1 player behind the plate as catcher, and a maximum of 2 players at the Pitcher’s position. Outfield positions will consist of the standard 3 outfield positions plus all extra players placed at “rover” positions. Please use a system that allows all players to play all positions equally (or as close as possible).

10) The player in the Pitcher position must wear a batting helmet (with a chin strap) and is not allowed to “roam around the mound.” Each pitcher (even if only one used) must stand to either side of the mound; however, please do not allow them to play so wide of the Pitcher’s mound that they are preventing infield play at other positions.

11) Play will stop when the batted ball to the outfield is returned to the infield or thrown to the coach/pitcher. Base runners may continue running to the next unoccupied base until the ball is returned to the infield (and runners should be encouraged to do so). Base runners are always at risk of being put out. When a legitimate out is made on a batter or base runner, it will be counted as an out for purposes of removing the base runner from the base (this is developmental, please explain why they are returning to the bench); however, 3 outs made in one inning will not end an inning (the hitting team will still bat half their line-up). Outfielders should be discouraged from running ball back into infield. Please teach to have outfielders throw the ball to return it to the infield. Note: there is no automatic “home run” for the last batter; play in accordance with rules above for that batter

12) No scores or team standings. All players will receive trophies of equal size.

13) Generally, no rain-outs will be rescheduled. However if excessive games are canceled, coaches may seek approval for rescheduling from the Division Director and League Cal Ripken official.

14) Home team will supply the game balls. Safety balls only. The Home team should make sure the game balls are returned to them at the completion of the game.

15) No forfeits. If a team is not able to field enough players, then players from both teams will be pooled together and divided equally to play the game. The lending team may alternate loaned players from inning to inning when doing this.

2) Two (2) or three (3) inning games will be played depending on daylight. Practice begins at 6:00 PM. Practice lasts 1/2 hour. Games begin at 6:30 PM.

4) Batter will hit off a tee. Batted ball must cross the designated arch, ten feet beyond home plate. The last four (4) games will be coach pitched. For these games: coach will pitch from his knees and from the area in front of the rubber, and throw overhand. Pitched ball should be thrown on a line, not arched. Pitcher should be a reasonable distance from the batter, to allow the hitter reaction time. A “Ready-Set-Turn” system should be used.

5) Each team shall bat half of their players each inning regardless of the number of runs scored or outs made. If you have 7 or less players in attendance, you may choose to bat the all players each inning (please use good discretion). Last batter clears the bases (i.e. hits a homerun). Utilize assistant coaches/parents and have an on deck batter ready to hit to keep the game moving.

7) Divide your players between infield and outfield. Infield positions consist of a maximum of 5 players positioned equally around the horn and up to a maximum of 2 players at the pitcher’s position (each side of circle). There will be no catcher. Outfield positions consist of the standard 3 outfield positions, plus all extra players are to be placed at rover positions in the outfield. Each player shall be given the opportunity to play each position by rotating players throughout each game. Develop a rotation system which assures that each player gets an opportunity to play each position approximately the same amount of time.

8) The player(s) in the pitcher position must wear a batting helmet (with a chin strap) and is (are) not allowed to roam around the mound. You are allowed to have a maximum of two players in the pitcher position. Each one stands to either side of the mound. Keep everyone alert. Coaches should be in the field with the players.

9) Play will stop when a player throws a fielded ball. Encourage players to throw all fielded balls to appropriate base. Base runners will continue running to the next unoccupied base until the ball is thrown. There are no outs.

10) Players should be encouraged to field all balls hit to them. With this in mind please teach players to learn their responsibilities and respect others in their positions. Defensive players running all over the field to play balls regardless of where they are hit should be discouraged.

11) No scores or team standings will be kept. All players will receive trophies of equal size.

12) No rain-outs will be rescheduled (exceptions should be cleared through Division Director). Coaches will determine rain-outs by mutual consent.

13) No forfeits. If a team is not able to field enough players, then players from both teams will be pooled together and divided equally to play a game.

14) Distance between the bases is 40 feet. Distance for the ball to be in play is 10 feet.