Playing Fields

Distance between bases-60 feet.

Playing Rules

A.     The offensive team batting line-up will consist of every team member that is available for that game. If a player arrives after the game has started, he/she will be added at the bottom of the batting order.  The offensive team must stop hitting once they hit through the lineup.

B.     All players play in the field when on defense. Players should rotate defensive positions.  No player shall remain at the same defensive position for more than two innings.

C.     OK for the batter/runner to take extra base(s) on a HIT to the outfield.  The ball will be declared dead when the defensive team stops the lead runner or the runner abandons the effort to advance. The ball is declared dead when a player is injured.   

D.     If a runner is out, then he/she should go back to the dugout. If the process of getting the kid back to the dugout delays the game, it will be ok to leave them on base and allow them to continue to run the bases.  Coaches should be discussing “outs” with their team during practice time.

E.     No Strikeouts.  If player doesn’t hit the ball after swings from the Tee, then the coach can stand behind the player and assist them in putting the ball into play (hit ball softly to the pitcher) so they can run to 1st base. 

F.      No walks.  No stolen bases.

G.     No leads. Player cannot leave the base until the ball is hit.  If a runner leaves the base early, then the runner can be out IF a play is made on that runner by the defense. 

H.     No bunting.  No infield fly rule.  On-deck batter stays in designated area.

I.        The catcher must wear full catching gear and stands near where an on-deck batter would normally stand until the ball is hit (then the catcher should position themselves in front of home plate to be in on a play).   Coaches should teach catchers to set up on inside part of baseline and to “give way” to runners coming in to score if not making a play on a ball.  When the play is over, the catcher receives a throw in from the 1st baseman and then the catcher hands the ball to the offensive team’s coach.

J.       Players may not slide head-first into any base.

K.     If a batted ball hits the offensive coach who pitched the ball (and the coach did not try to make contact with the ball), the ball is dead and the batter gets first base.  All base runners advance one base only if forced.  If a thrown ball hits the offensive coach who pitched the ball, the ball remains live.

Other rules and notes

A.     The batter, on-deck hitter and base runners are required to wear batting helmets.

B.     No Bat Throwing:  We are teaching safety and these kids are not too young to learn.

C.     You can keep track of how many outs your team records during the game as a way to track your team’s improvement during the season.

D.     Games last 1 hour or 4 innings (whichever comes 1st).

E.      Coaches should challenge their team by teaching them about force plays and not always just throwing to 1st base.  Talk about the number of outs and try to teach how to play different situations.  Coaches should also encourage their team to make “baseball” plays like throwing the ball to the fielder at a base instead of running a long distance to get an out.  Development of baseball skills should be a priority. 

F.      It is OK for all the runners on base to run around all the bases after the last batter hits the ball; this gives the runners a chance to work on baserunning and is fun for the players. 

G.     Teach runners to run in straight lines from base to base and how to make a turn around bases (lean in like riding a bicycle).  Teach that the runner needs to avoid the fielder IF the fielder is making a play on a ball and the fielder needs to avoid the runner IF the fielder is NOT making a play on the ball.

H.     During play, the defensive team will be allowed coaches on the field to position players. Coaches of the offensive team shall occupy the base coach boxes and will have a coach getting the ball from the catcher and pitching OR putting it on the Tee. The offensive coach pitching OR putting the ball on the Tee should make sure the defense is ready before letting the player hit.  The offensive coach pitching OR putting the ball on the Tee should also help the batter with their feet positioning, distance from the Tee, and adjust height of Tee when needed.  The offensive coach should announce “last batter” before that player bats.  The offensive coaches should NOT run the bases with the kids.

I.       A softer baseball should be used in games.  No metal cleats.