Rules - T-Ball

T-Ball is an instructional league. The purpose of the league is to introduce youngsters to "baseball" and provide basic skill instruction.

The coaches and parents are an integral part of the success of the T-Ball format. We do not keep score. There are no umpires. Rules are at a minimum. Learning and having fun are the expected outcomes for the T-Ball league.

It is critical that coaches and parents remember that T-Ball is in many cases a youngster's introduction to team sports. You are the role model! M ake this a fun and enjoyable time with the children.

Listed below are some basic organizational tips and teaching expectations.

1.     Practice patience! These are young children and learning basic skills is not always fun.

2.    Have fun. Teach basic skills as games. Make the learning enjoyable.

3.       Get on their level...Kneel down when you speak to younger children. Big people are scary!

•  When the kids are not interested give in and have fun. Forget teaching T-ball and run relays/play a game. Come back to T-ball a few minutes later.

5.     Teach each child to run the bases, catch the ball, hit the ball and throw the ball. This is a lot in one season. Manage everyone's expectations.

6.    Ensure that the kids are not afraid of the ball. This is the time to teach them that the ball will not hurt (much).

7.     Involve your parents in practice and accept helping hands.

8.     Read about coaching. All coaches need to learn and stay fresh. You do not need to be an ex-superstar to coach children! Enjoy yourself.

9.   Snack time is usually the highlight of the morning for the younger players. Don't worry about this; the post-game meal is also big to major-leaguers!

10.   Teach sportsmanship !

11.   Cheer all successes and Cheer some more. Make this fun!

On the Field

1.    Each team bats around to complete one inning.

2.     Avoid stacking the infield. Place some of your players in the "outfield" and flip-flop positions each inning. It is fun to have a few balls get into the "outfield".

3.     Flip-flop the batting order each inning. The easiest way to set the order is by uniform number. First inning go #1-#12. Second inning #12-#1 and so forth.

4.    Early in the season allow the children to run the bases even if they were "out". We want the children to score runs and learn base running.

5.     Limit the number of adults on the field. Usually two coaches are plenty. Encourage the other adults to cheer and support both teams.

6.    All children must wear batting helmets while hitting and running the bases. Players should only hold a bat in their hands if they are approaching or leaving home plate or in a designated on-deck position.

7.    A ball must travel three feet from the plate to be considered a hit.

8.     There are no strikeouts. Each child gets to hit the ball.

9.     Do not make the games a grind. Look for ways to improve the pace or excitement of your games with the opposing coach. Be flexible and make it fun.