Tee and Lob Ball Developmental Rules

General Parent and Coaches Notes:

1. The purpose of this league is to teach the fundamentals of baseball or softball.  Both coaches and parents need to put the emphasis on playing the game and learning the fundamentals instead of winning.
2. Please keep all children from climbing fences in and out of the dugouts.
3. Please keep non-playing children out of the dugouts at all times.
4. Please do not bring pets to the diamonds
5. Make sure all players are properly warmed-up (throwing and running).
6. Teach proper fielding techniques at each position.
7. Teach proper batting stance and how to swing the bat.
8. Teach players proper base running techniques.
9. Teach player how to hold and throw the ball.
10. Teach players how to slide safely (Lob Ball).
11. Have players ready to start an inning as quickly as possible.  20% of playing time can be lost waiting for the defensive team to take the field.
12. Have players demonstrate good sportsmanship by lining up the teams and shaking hands after the game.

Rules:

1. Bases are 50’ apart.
2. Normal Little League rules apply (except as noted).
3. Striking out:
1. Tee Ball – Batters can not strike out.
2. Lob Ball – Batters strikes out after 3 strikes or after seven pitches (see pitch count below).  Batter cannot strike out on a foul tip or ball.
4. Pitch Count (Lob Ball only):  Each batter may receive a maximum of seven pitches per at-bat.  Regardless of the location of the seventh, the batter’s coach will call out the batter if the ball is not hit.  In the event the seventh pitch is a foul ball, the batter shall receive an additional pitch to hit.
5. Walking:
1. Tee Ball – No walks awarded.
2. Lob Ball – No walks or hit by pitch is given.
6. Hit – a hit has to be between the 1^st and 3^rd base lines and go past the home plate semi-circle.
7. If a ball is hit into the outfield and it is hit into a crowd of fans, it will be considered a ground rule double, no fan may disrupt the play, this includes but not limited to chairs, blankets or bags. Try to keep fans from sitting in the field of play.  (Lob)
8. All players play in the field and everyone bats in a continuous rotation.
9. No stealing, No leading off and No bunting.
10. Infield (Defensive Positions):  The infield consists of the following positions: Pitcher, Catcher, 1^st Base, 2^nd Base, Shortstop, and 3^rd Base. 
11. Outfield (Defensive Positions):  All players not assigned to an infield position must be played in the outfield.  Outfielders are required to be at least 2 feet beyond the dirt infield.  Play in the grass.
12. Players must be rotated between defensive positions, infield and outfield, every inning if possible.  In the event you have 13 or 14 players the extra outfielder position(s) should be rotated between all of your players.
13. No player may play the same infield position twice in any game. 
14. All players should be provided equal opportunity to play each position an equal number of times.  One exception may be the 1^st Base position.  Please make sure the 1^st Baseman has some ability to catch in order to avoid injury.
15. Games are a maximum of 5 innings or one hour whichever comes first.  A new inning cannot start after 50 minutes of play.  Coaches have the choice of allowing a set number of batters from each team in the last inning to ensure games are completed on time and thus may allow partial inning to begin after 50 minutes of play.
16. Completing an Inning:
1. Tee Ball – 3 outs or 5 runs
2. Lob Ball – 3 outs or 5 runs.  Additional runs can score on the last batter.
17. Base Running:
1. Tee Ball – Only one base may be advanced per runner for each batter.
2. Lob Ball – Batters and runners may continue to advance until the ball enters the plane of the infield.  Runners must be ½ way to a base to advance.
18. Throwing bats is prohibited and batter will be called out.
19. Catcher must wear protective gear (catcher’s mask for Tee Ball, full equipment for Lob Ball).  Protective cups are advised.
20. When not batting, offensive players must remain seated on the dugout bench.
21. Only one player in the on-deck circle at a time, the rest must remain in the dugout.
22. Recording a fielding out:
1. For a batter or a base runner to be called out, the out must be recorded by the fielding player of the position where the out took place (i.e. The center fielder getting the ball and running to 2nd base is not an out, nor is the pitcher fielding the ball and running to touch first base an out).
2. For a batter or a base runner to be called out, any balls thrown must be thrown over handed by the fielders.  Exceptions to this rule will be the coach’s discretion (i.e. if the player is too close to throw overhand because the ball was fielded close to a base).
23. Number of coaches on the defensive field:
1. Tee Ball – 2 coaches may be in the field to help instruct the players.
2. Lob Ball – 2 coaches may be in the field to help instruct the players
24. Number of coaches in the offensive field:
1. Tee Ball – Coaches are allowed at 1^st and 3^rd Base.  A third coach can help instruct the batter and the catcher.  A bench coach is also recommended.
2. Lob Ball – Coaches are allowed at 1^st and 3^rd Base.  A third coach can help instruct the batter and catcher.  A fourth coach will handle the pitching duties and help with positioning the pitcher.  A bench coach is also recommended.
25. Equipment:
1. The visiting team is responsible for getting the equipment out of the shed and prep field for play.
2. The home team is responsible for picking up the equipment and returning all equipment to the shed.