I Aims and Goals
1. For all children to have fun playing baseball.
2. To learn fundamental hitting techniques.
3. To learn to run the bases properly. To know when to run.
4. To learn to play each of the fielding positions.
5. To understand force outs.
6. To learn the proper techniques of catching and throwing a ball.
7. For the players to learn and perform 1-6 by the end of the season.
It is not about winning. These are 5 and 6 year olds. It is about teaching proper baseball skills to all children. Each child should have a chance to play every position through the course of the season.
II Games
There will be one game a week, played on Sundays. The game must end after one hour and fifteen minutes, even if you are in the middle of an inning.
The coaches of the batting team shall be the umpires, and make all final rulings, as to outs, foul balls, runners advancing, etc. BE FAIR. You are setting an example.
III Batting
All players bat each inning. No player shall bat more than once per inning. Batters & Runners MUST wear helmets. It doesn’t matter how many outs are made.
For the first half of the season, all batters will hit off the tee. Thereafter, the coach MAY pitch to those kids who CAN hit a pitched ball. NOTE: It is not necessary to pitch to each kid. You should only pitch to those kids who can hit a pitched ball. A Maximum of 5 pitches is allowed, and then the tee MUST be used. (All Coaches MUST adhere to this rule) It is not fair to give “better” kids more pitches). Coaches will pitch to their own team. Coaches should not underhand lob the pitches. Pitch overhand from a standing or kneeling position. IF a child can only hit off the tee, that is fine. Don’t force the kids who can’t hit pitched balls.
If a player is thrown out at a base, he/she is out, and shall leave the bases. If the child is emotional over this, the child shall be permitted to stay on base. The inning ends when all players have batted once.
A hit ball must travel 10-12 feet, to be a fair ball.
There shall be no stealing. No leading off the bag. Runners may advance from the bag when the ball is hit.
The infield-fly rule does not apply.
Only the batter may have a bat in his hands. No on deck circle. No swinging in the dugout.
Overthrows at first base result in a dead ball. Runners may not advance.
If there is no play at first base, runners may continue to advance. The pitcher need not have the ball. Simply throwing the ball to the mound area will end the play. Runners halfway or more to the next base will advance to that base. If a ball goes in the dugout or past the fence line (as extended), play is dead and runners advance one base.
IV Fielding
All players play in the field. A maximum of two parents (coaches) are allowed in the outfield to help coach. No parents are allowed in the infield.
There will be one player at each of the following positions: catcher, pitcher, first base, second base, third base, & short stop. The remaining players will be spread across the outfield on the grass.
Each player will play the infield at least once in the first three innings.
Male catchers MUST wear a cup. All catchers must wear complete catchers equipment.