PLUMSTEAD BASEBALL
TEE-BALL RULES

LEAGUE POLICY: SPORTSMANSHIP, PARTICIPATION AND FUN

It is our intention to have all players participate as fully as possible. All coaches will teach each child all the positions and the proper rules of the game. Please set an example by teaching Sportsmanship and exhibiting it at all times. This to be fun for the children in addition to being a learning experience.

Remember, T-ball is a beginner's league with very young children at varied skill levels. Coaches will use the following rules as a guideline, and may change them slightly to ensure that all of the children, regardless of their skill level, are able to have FUN.

Practice:
All practices should be held in the evening starting at 6:00 pm with the exception of a Saturday practice, which is up to the discretion of the coach. If you would like to hold a practice during the season be sure that it does not conflict with any games. Schedules can be found here. The purpose of the practice is to teach the basic fundamentals of baseball. This includes throwing, fielding and hitting.

Equipment:
T-ball players need only bring their hat, shirt and glove.

  1. Baseball shoes are not required. Sneakers are fine.
  2. The team shirt should be tucked in to instill in the players respect for their team uniform.
  3. Be sure to have all players put their name on their glove, as well as, on the tags of their shirt and hat.

Pregame Warm-up:
15 minutes before games

Game Time:
Please arrive at the games no later than 6:00 pm for warm-up. The game will begin at 6:15 pm.

Innings:
Three innings will be played unless darkness becomes a safety hazard.

Rainouts:
The league determines whether games will be cancelled due to the weather. To find out whether games are being cancelled call (215) 766-9259 where a recording will inform you. T-ball games are not rescheduled.

I. Players

a. Batting order will consist of all players. Line up should be in random order and should be maintained for the entire game. Batting order should be changed every game.

b. All batters and baserunners MUST wear helmets. NO EXCEPTIONS

c. Only one on deck batter should be warming up in the designated warm up circle. All other players shall remain on the bench. This rule will be strictly enforced for obvious safety reasons. A coach or parent will be assigned to strictly enforce this rule during the entire game.

d. All batters are to hit the ball off the tee. The ball must be hit fair for the batter to run to first base. The batter will have up to 6 attempts to put the ball in play.

  1. If ball is hit through the infield on the ground, baserunners will advance one base only.
  2. If ball is hit in the air into the outfield a player can advance a maximum of 2 bases only.
  3. If ball is hit by the last batter in the lineup play will continue until the batter scores.
  4. The coach will announce the last batter.

e. All players on the team will take fielding positions, including the pitcher's mound area. Distribute extra players in the outfield. (NOTE: Only a coach or parent will act as the catcher in this division).

  1. Players will be rotated to different fielding positions for each game. This will allow all players to learn how to play all the positions during the season.

f. All players are expected to attempt a putout, especially the infielders. They are NOT to throw it back to the coach on the pitcher's mound. This will also be stressed for the outfielders. All players should be taught that outfielders are to throw the ball back into the second baseman. Coaches in the field are to direct the players on the proper plays. Play can be suspended to teach player(s) proper fielding techniques. PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS THE EDUCATIONAL LEVEL FOR THIS LEAGUE. THE MORE WE CAN TEACH AT THIS LEVEL WILL BE A BENEFIT TO THE PLAYERS AND COACHES AS THEY ADVANCE INTO THE JUNIOR LEVEL.

g. Home team will use the 1st base bench; visiting team will use the 3rd base bench and will bat first.

II. Coaches

a. Coaches act as catcher, coach bases and assist in the field. Recruit parents to assist in the field or act as bench coaches and base coaches.
b. Coach that is on the pitcher's mound shall not field the ball. A player will be positioned near the pitcher to field the position.
c. A coach/parent will act as catcher at all times and will work with the batters.
d. Coaches and parents are to keep the game fun for all. Do Not Emphasize Winning at this Level.
e. Do not keep score.
f. Teach the fundamentals of the game.
g. Each inning will be over after the entire batting order has hit.
h. The goals for the Coaches:

FUN for the Players and Coaches and Parents
Teach the game fundamentals and sportsmanship.
Encourage parents to continue the teaching process at home and to assist during the games.

III. Conduct

a. Yelling at the players by coaches, parents, spectators or other players is prohibited and will be strictly enforced.
b. Emphasize Sportsmanship and Participation.
c. Abusive language or conduct will not be tolerated.
d. When game is over:

  1. Players line up on baseline, shake hands properly and then go to the bench.
  2. Remind players about some aspects of the game that has just been completed to reinforce baseball fundamentals.
  3. Make necessary announcements and remind everyone of the next scheduled game.
  4. Make sure everyone has their hat, glove and other personal items before they go home.