Rules And Regulations T-Ball

Effective April 2007

The following RULES AND REGULATIONS will alleviate most of the conflict and disputes between opposing coaches, managers and umpires. Should any concerns develop consult the T-Ball convener.

Please keep in mind SAFETY of our young athlete both physically and mentally is Baseball Oakville's main concern.

Baseball Oakville feels the following rules are guidelines to follow; you could then set the example required for all the young athletes.

In the T-BALL DIVISION a very SPECIAL SET OF RULES apply, with the intention of Baseball Oakville to get our younger kids and their parents involved in baseball. T- BALL is intended to give a formative introduction to the game as well as teaching our younger kids some of the fundamentals of baseball.

T-Ball wraps up each year on its' own special day. This day is devoted both to the kids who played all summer and their parents who have also participated all summer.

May each and every one of you have a very successful and gratifying season of baseball, and also, let us all remind ourselves each time we are at a practice or a game that the game is for the kids and "KIDS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN".

1. AGE OF PLAYERS
T-Ball players must be a MINIMUM of 5 years old before DEC. 31st. of current year.

2. REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS
Each player must have submitted a properly completed registration form accompanied by the registration fee prescribed by Baseball Oakville.

3. THE GAME
A) In T-Ball all players bat once each inning.

B) The defensive team may use a maximum of (14) players to make as many outs as possible in accordance with these rules.

4. RULES AND REGULATIONS
4.1 The T-ball division operates under the direction of Baseball Oakville and is subject to all its rules and regulations and the official rules of baseball. House League conveners may establish regulations or guidelines as necessary to ensure proper safety and management of the division. These regulations shall not contradict the official Baseball Oakville rules.

4.2 Regulation Games
A) In T-Ball a regulation game shall consist of three (3) complete innings.

B) All games shall start at the time designated on the schedule.

C) No inning shall start after 8:00 PM.

D) IN THE EVENT OF LIGHTENING THE GAME WILL BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY and will be continued at the coaches discretion.

4.3 T-Ball Game Rules
A) Ground rules are to be established at the start of the game by the coaches.

B) In T-Ball there shall be no pitching, base stealing, leadoffs or bunting. Should a player lead off, the base coach shall indicate this infraction by holding up his hand. Play will continue, at the end of the play any outs will stand. All other runners will return to their original bases the batter if not out will return to bat with the same count.

C) A dead ball: is a batted ball that does not cross the dead ball line. If a dead ball is caught in flight batter is out. A dead hit ball will not be called by the coach until the ball has hit the ground. A batter cannot strikeout on a dead ball.

D) The dead ball line will be waived if a player has swung at the ball three times.

E) There are NO strikeouts in T-Ball.

F) Out of bounds baseball rules will apply. In the case of last batter a ball overthrown past the out of bounds line shall be considered to be a live ball.

G) TIME can only be called by the coach when an infielder has possession of the ball in the infield area and is not attempting to make further defensive plays or raise their hand.

4.4 The Playing Field
A) The distance between all bases in T-Ball shall be 45 feet.

B) The dead ball line will be marked out across the infield from first base to third base.

C) The pass lines for T-Ball shall be half way between the bases.

D) The pitcher shall be stationed at the middle of the infield in between 1st base and 3rd base, and 2nd base and home plate.

4.5 Home Teams Responsibilities
A) Placement of bases, marking the dead ball lines, pass lines, pitchers box, and supply a new baseball before the game.

4.6 Offensive Coaches
A) Two offensive coaches are allowed in T-Ball.

B) Coaches are not allowed to physically assist any runner.

4.7 Defensive Coaches
A) Two defensive coaches are allowed anywhere in the outfield. An extra coach may be required once discussed by both Head Coaches depending on individual circumstances (ie: special needs, injury, etc.)

B) Defensive coaches may not physically assist in any player. Should this occur all runners including the batter are awarded THREE BASES.

4.8 Last Batter Status
A) ANY PLAYERS on the offensive team who are BASE RUNNERS when the last batter is at bat are regarded in the same manner as the last batter and NO defensive play can be made on them on the bases. They are all FORCED to home plate when the last batter has hit the ball fairly.

B) If, on last batter, a base runner is hit by a fair ball before the ball is touched by an infielder or has passed an infielder, excluding the pitcher, the ball IS DEAD and NO RUNS MAY SCORE.

C) When the catcher touches home plate with the last batters' fair hit ball in his possession the inning will end. The ball must be thrown over the dead ball line at least once on its way to the catcher. Only the pitcher may assist the catcher in the home plate area.

D) All last batters must be announced by the coach.

PENALTY: In the event a defensive player other than the pitcher crosses into the home plate area, the coach will call the inning over and allow all runs to score.

E) If a LAST BATTER is out on a caught fly ball, base runners shall be permitted to attempt to score provided they retouch the base after the ball has been caught. These runners may score only if the catcher has not touched home plate while in possession of the ball.

F) A run does not count when a runner with LAST BATTER status reaches home plate after the plate has been touched by the catcher.

G) Time out to change defensive players will not be allowed.

4.9 Batting Line-up
A) In T-Ball ALL players bat ONCE each inning. If teams have fewer than 14 players, both teams shall bat 14 players, unless both teams have the same number of players.

B) Late arrivals shall be added to the bottom of the batting line-up.

C) Pinch-hitters are not allowed in T-Ball. Should a batter be removed from the game during his time at bat, the next batter shall come to bat assuming the strike count. If the batter becomes an out, he shall assume his regular turn at bat.

D) Pinch-runners are not allowed in T-Ball, however if a player is injured and must be removed, the last player put out shall act as a pinch-runner for the removed player.

4.10 The Defensive Team Complement
A) The defensive team shall be permitted to play a maximum of seven players in the infield area, and seven players in the outfield. If a team does not have its full complement of players the infield playing exception rule will apply.

B) A pitcher will be used by the defensive team and must assume a set position in the pitchers' box until the ball has been batted. The pitcher must wear a catcher’s mask, or similar protective head gear.

C) The second baseman, longstop and shortstop must play six feet behind the dead ball line until the ball is hit. No other infielder can cross the dead ball line until the ball is hit.

D) The defensive team outfield must assume their set positions at least five (5) feet back of back of the infield area. A maximum of seven players are allowed in the outfield.

E) The pitcher is allowed to assist the catcher in the home plate area. In all cases during the offensive teams at bat the ball must be thrown over the dead ball line to the catcher.

5. SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT
A) All batters and base runners must wear a CSA approved batting helmet with chinstrap. The chinstrap must be properly attached and worn under the chin.

B) Shoes with metal cleats are prohibited.

C) Catchers shall wear a helmet with face shield provided and approved by Baseball Oakville at all times while at those positions

D) The batting tee shall be placed on home plate for the purpose of holding the ball.

E) No player shall be allowed to take practice swings outside of the caged area.

F) Helmet with cage will be worn by the catcher.

G) Any person on the field who is cut during the game, or who arrives at the game with blood on their skin or clothing, will not be allowed in the dugouts, or on the playing field, until such time as proper first aid is given and the wound is covered or clothing is removed. Any equipment, including the baseball, must also be removed from the game should blood be on it (them).

H) SAFETY NOTE: PLAYERS MUST NOT WEAR ANY JEWELRY. Exception being medical alert bracelets.

**PARENTS ARE TO ENSURE THAT THEIR CHILD'S EYE GLASSES ARE SHATTERPROOF.

I) Players MUST wear the OMBA provided uniform to all games. This includes a hat, jersey, pants and socks. Shorts are NOT allowed. Try to continue this rules at practice too.

6. CONDUCT OF COACHES AND MANAGERS

6.1 The O.M.B.A. recognizes that you are a volunteer in the position of coach or manager. A coach must be a good role model. All coaches, parents and players must adhere to the Town of Oakville, R Zone code of conduct.

6.2 A coach will be suspended by the house league V.P. for any of the following infractions:

A) Using profane and or obscene language.
B) Consuming any alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs and smoking.

C) Showing disrespect, ungentlemanly or unsportsman like conduct particularly in the presence of players or spectators, towards other coaches or managers.

D) Not giving equal consideration to every player on the team. In a regulation three (3) inning game during any season or playoff game all players must play two innings in the infield. Breach of this rule could result in disciplinary action.

6.4 The individual concerned shall have the right to appeal to the Rules and Discipline Committee through the VP House League. The decision of the Rules and Discipline Committee is final and binding.

7. HOUSE LEAGUE STANDINGS
In T-Ball no standings shall be maintained.

8. AWARDS
Suitable awards to players and coaches shall be presented at the discretion of Baseball Oakville Executive.