T-Ball Supplemental Rules

The goal of the game is to let the players have fun while learning basic baseball concepts and developing their skills. T-ball rules will be strictly followed so a structured game can be played.

General Rules:

1. No new inning can be started more than 1 hour after the scheduled game start time.
2. Coaches must not yell negatively at players.
3. If a team is unable to field nine players on defense they can draw from the offensive team.
4. T-BALL IS NOT COMPETITIVE - DO NOT KEEP SCORE!
5. Soft safety balls will be used at all times.
6. The home team is identified on the schedule and will occupy the third base dugout.
7. A NYSCA certified coach must remain in the dugout at all times.

Defensive Rules:

8. Players must be rotated during each game. Managers must maintain a position chart each game and assure that no player plays the same position twice in the same game, and that every player plays at least 1 inning in the infield each game. Every player must play every position at some point in the season, unless the parents request otherwise.
9. All players present will play in the field each inning.
10. All teams will field a catcher who will wear a face protector and stand at the backstop until the ball is hit.
11. The child pitcher MUST be positioned on the pitching rubber when the ball is hit, and MUST WEAR A BATTING HELMET WITH A FACE-GUARD.
12. One extra infielder can be positioned on the right side of the infield and one extra infielder can be positioned on the left side of the infield.
13. All infielders (except the pitcher) MUST play behind the line between the bases.
14. ONLY ONE PITCHER IS ALLOWED!
15. The remaining players are to be spread out evenly in the outfield, at least 15 feet behind the infielders.
16. Infielders are to be instructed not to position themselves where they will interfere with the base runners.
17. A ball that is hit to the outfield must be fielded by an outfielder.
18. Outfielders cannot make an out by tagging a runner or stepping on a base.
19. Play is stopped when a ball thrown by a defensive player attempting to throw the ball to the pitcher reaches the mound, whether it is caught or not.
20. Defensive coaches are permitted on the field, but ONLY behind the base paths.
21. Defensive coaches are not permitted to touch a live ball, or to physically assist a player.

Offensive Rules:

22. A continuous batting order will be used in each game.
23. Each player will advance one spot in the batting order each game.
24. Offensive coaches are positioned well behind home plate, in the dugout and at first and third base.
25. The Hitting Tee will be used exclusively during games.
26. ON deck batters are not allowed.
27. Coaches may not position batters to hit in a certain direction (i.e. to third base).
28. The inning will be over when the entire roster has batted.
29. Violent throwing of equipment is not permitted. A 2nd offense will result in ejection.
30. A batter who throws their bat after swinging will be warned the first time and out the second time.
31. A ball hit less than six feet off the tee is foul.
32. Bunting is not allowed.
33. Base runners must avoid contact, and have the option of sliding (feet first only).
34. If the first baseman is blocking first base the runner does not have to touch first base to be called safe.
35. Stealing is not allowed.
36. A runner who is in between bases when play is stopped goes to the nearest base.
37. One base is allowed on an overthrow in foul territory.
38. When the ball is in play, in fair territory, runners are encouraged to take extra bases. Runners are NOT to be instructed to advance only when forced.
39. The last batter of the inning is to be encouraged to keep running and try for a “home run”. This is fun for the runner and the fielders, who have a great chance of getting an out, and the inning is over anyway.
40. The infield fly rule is not in effect.
41. Upon completion of the game each Manager is responsible for the cleanliness of the dugout and grandstand areas.
42. If a defensive out is recorded, the player shall leave the base (beginning after the fourth game of the season).

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