Tee Ball Rules

1. Games will be 3 innings or 1 hour, whichever comes first. (Please do not start a new inning if 45 minutes or more have already elapsed).
2. All players in the field at a time
3. Each batter hits the ball and runs through first base. No outs are recorded. Each base runner advances one base with each subsequent batter. The last batter in the order that inning is the home run hitter and gets to run home to home.
4. All players are in the batting order and bat each inning.
5. The pitcher must wear protective chest gear and a helmet to play the position.
6. When fielding, all plays are made to first base.

Guidelines:

1. Alternate kids at various positions
2. For safety, ensure only the on-deck batter is permitted to have a bat for practice swings in designated area behind backstops. (other than the current batter) Please do not leave any kids on the bench unattended. A bench coach or parent should have a handle of the kids on the bench for safety and to keep the game moving. Kids not on deck or batting should remain on the bench.
3. Ensure pitchers are equipped with a chest guard and helmet. Please verify the player has his protective gear on properly.

Rookie Ball Rules and Guidelines

Rules:
1. Length of game will be 1 hour or 4 innings whichever comes first. Please do not start another inning after 50 minutes of play.
2. All players will be in the field with 4 infielders (1B, 2B, SS, 3B), pitcher, and rest all outfielders. No catcher. Coaches will catch to speed play up.
3. Innings will be over either by 3 outs recorded OR if a team bats through its lineup. 
4.Batters will receive 7 pitches total and 4 strikes. After that they will hit off of a tee. Players will not strike out
5. Batters can extend a hit into a double max. (teaching them to make the turn on a hit to the outfield)
6. Players cannot advance on overthrows
7. Half way rule for base advancement, judged by infield possession. (If a player has one foot in the infield and possession of the ball at any point in the play, a runner can’t advance to a base they have not made it half way to unless it was a force play)
8. Players can be called out on a fielding play.
9. Runs are not recorded.
10. Coaches should pitch at 25’ and remain standing
11. Kids playing the pitching position should wear a heart guard/chest guard and helmet with cage.

Guidelines:

1. Alternate kids at various positions
2. For safety, ensure only the on-deck batter is permitted to have a bat for practice swings in designated area behind backstops. (other than the current batter) Please do not leave any kids on the bench unattended. A bench coach or parent should have a handle of the kids on the bench for safety and to keep the game moving. Kids not on deck or batting should remain on the bench.
3. Ensure pitchers are equipped with a chest guard and helmet. Please verify the player has his protective gear on properly.

Field Reminders:

1.  PLEASE TRY AND DRAG THE FIELD AFTER USE IF NECESSARY (HELPS WITH DRAINAGE)
2. LAST PERSON USING THE FIELD OR FIELDS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING AWAY THE TRACTOR AND MAKING SURE THE EQUIPMENT SHED IS LOCKED.
3. PLEASE KEEP THE EQUIPMENT BOXES BEHIND THE BACKSTOPS IN GOOD SHAPE, DON’T LEAVE A MESS FOR THE NEXT COACH.
4. WHEN LOCKING UP THE BURCHFIELD SHED, ENSURE THE LATCH ON LEFT SIDE DOOR IS IN PROPER POSITION BEFORE LOCKING THE DOOR.
5. STANDING PUDDLES ON THE FIELD ARE A GOOD INDICATOR THAT THE FIELD IS UNPLAYABLE.
6. DO NOT USE A BROOM TO BRUSH OUT PUDDLES (THIS MAKES THE HOLE DEEPER)
7. DO NOT LEAVE FIELD DRAGS LAYING IN GRASS. THEY SHOULD BE PUT AWAY WITH THE TRACTOR

INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISION RULES

1. Games are 6 innings.
2. 10 Players in the field at a time (4 outfielders) No rovers. Outfielders must play the position (LF, LC, RC, RF) and start at least 20 feet beyond the intersection of the infield/outfield.
3. Half way rule for base advancement, judged by infield possession. (If a player has one foot in the infield and possession of the ball at any point in the play, a runner can’t advance to a base they have not made it half way to unless it was a force play). Half way rule must be marked in the infield.
4. All players are required to play a minimum of 2 innings in the outfield and/or catcher each game.
5. All players are in the batting order regardless of whether or not they are in the field that inning.
6. No player shall be on the bench more than one inning in a row unless an injury prevents them from returning.
7. 5 run limit per inning with no continuation rule. (However, 6th inning and extra innings runs are unlimited)
8. A player may not be thrown out on a force play at first base from the outfield.
9. A player at any base other than first base may be thrown out on a force play from the outfield IF the outfielder began the play no less than 20 feet into the outfield.
10. The pitcher must wear protective chest gear and a helmet to play the position.
11. The pitcher must have a least one foot inside the pitching circle during the pitch.
12. Batters get 4 swinging strikes (through May 18) or 7 pitches total after which they are called out. Beginning May 19, batters get 3 swinging strikes or 7 pitches total. (Exception: foul balls after 7 pitches are not considered an out)
13. Ball must be thrown 35’ feet from pitcher’s mound
14. Overthrows to 1st and 3rd base are dead. Overthrows to 2nd are live until infield possession is obtained.

Lining the field:
1. 1st and 3rd base foul lines. Recommend going to the foul poles at Burchfield fields.
a. Start line at back of home plate and go to outside of base. Chalk line on inside of your string line.
b. String line from outside of base to outside of foul pole, chalk line on the inside of your string line
2. Half way lines between 1st and 2nd, 2nd and 3rd, 3rd and home.
3. 35’ mark for coach pitch line 4. 15’ diameter circle around 35’ pitching mark

Field Reminders:
1. PLEASE TRY AND DRAG THE FIELD AFTER USE IF NECESSARY (HELPS WITH DRAINAGE)
2. LAST PERSON USING THE FIELD OR FIELDS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING AWAY THE TRACTOR AND MAKING SURE THE EQUIPMENT SHED IS LOCKED. 3. PLEASE KEEP THE EQUIPMENT BOXES BEHIND THE BACKSTOPS IN GOOD SHAPE, DON’T LEAVE A MESS FOR THE NEXT COACH.
4. WHEN LOCKING UP THE BURCHFIELD SHED, ENSURE THE LATCH ON LEFT SIDE DOOR IS IN PROPER POSITION BEFORE LOCKING THE DOOR.
5. STANDING PUDDLES ON THE FIELD ARE A GOOD INDICATOR THAT THE FIELD IS UNPLAYABLE.
6. DO NOT USE A BROOM TO BRUSH OUT PUDDLES (THIS MAKES THE HOLE DEEPER)
7. DO NOT LEAVE FIELD DRAGS LAYING IN GRASS. THEY SHOULD BE PUT AWAY WITH THE TRACTOR.