2015 West Linn Youth Baseball Tee-Ball Rules

It is WLBA’s expectation that all coaches will follow the rules listed below. Any alterations to the rules listed, must be approved by the league coordinator.

1. Safety Rules

a. All offensive players (hitter, base runners and on deck hitter) must wear helmet while on playing field.

b. Only one on deck hitter is allowed to swing a bat. On deck hitter should warm up in a designated area. The “safety zone” area should be clearly marked or exist behind the backstop. A coach or designated parent must supervise the on deck area.

c. Catchers must wear protective catcher’s gear.

d. Optional: Catchers may wear an athletic support. However this is not required since there will be very few throws home and no foul tips that put the catcher in danger.

e. Base runners must avoid contact with fielders making a play on the ball or attempting to tag the runner. The fielder has the right away. The intent is to prevent collisions, however, good baseball fundamentals should be taught so that the runner does not run out of the baseline.

f. Please instruct all batters not to throw the bats after they make contact. Early in the season, a parent should be designated to monitor.

g. For fields without dugouts, create a designated area that all players sit in while waiting their turn to hit. All players must be seated on a bucket, blanket or roped off area, while the game is being played. Players should not be visiting with Mom/Dad, siblings or playing with friends away from the action. Build the team atmosphere through focus on teammates that are hitting.

2. General League Rules

a. No official score is kept.

b. An inning will immediately end when one of the following happens:

 3 outs

 5 runs  Everyone on the bench has hit.

c. Tee-Ball games will be 60 minutes. No new inning can be started 60 minutes after the start of the game.

d. Typically, each game should last 3-4 innings.

e. Players should be rotated each inning. Come prepared with a lineup so during the course of the season, each player will have the opportunity to play each position. For the beginning of the Tee-Ball season, players who might not be alert and are susceptible to injury should not be used at pitcher or first base.

f. Base coaches are used as umpires at first base and third base.

g. There is no leading off and no stealing.

h. Bases must be kept in their original position and not moved closer to the batter. 60’

base path.

3. Hitting Rules

a. A ball hit off the tee must travel 5 feet from the tee in fair territory. If it does not, it is a foul ball.

b. There are no strikeouts, walks or bunting.

c. The last hitter in each inning should circle the bases until tagged out.

d. The last inning of the game, the teams will bat the entire line up, without respect to how many outs are made or runs are scored.

4. Fielding Rules

a. 10 players are to play in the field. The 10th player (rover) can be used in the infield in the second base area.

b. Only one pitcher is allowed. The pitcher should be in contact with the rubber (if applicable).

5. Suggested Resources

a. www.freebaseballlineups.com. Website instantly creates fair defensive lineups for your team. Allows Manager to block certain players from pitcher or first base if safety is an issue.