T-Ball (Pre-K coed ages 3-4 by May 1st) division introduces the fundamentals of baseball using soft compression baseballs and a tee for batting. Each game is two innings and all players field and bat. No scores, no 3-out rule and no standings are kept. No tryouts required. Coaches may allow parents on the field to assist. Limit of one game per week during season. Players may progress to underhand or (ideally) overhand coach pitch during 2nd half of season. No tournament play.
Objective: Create a fun and safe introductory baseball learning environment for pre-Kindergarten children. Coaches will introduce the basic fundamentals of how to throw, catch and hit a baseball. Players will practice good sportsmanship, respectful behavior and teamwork. Coaches will teach T-Ball baseball rules and emphasize safety rules.
I. TEAMS
T-Ball teams shall consist of no more than twelve (12) and not less than ten (10) players.
II. LEGAL PLAYERS
Legal age of players for T-Ball division will be 3 or 4 years old as of January 1st of the current baseball season and not yet in Kindergarten.
III. SELECTION OF PLAYERS
T-Ball team selection shall be accomplished under the direction of the T-Ball Commissioner. T-Ball managers may submit desired team roster (school, church, neighborhood groups) to T- Ball Commissioner. Every effort will be made approve a manager’s desired team rosters.
IV. PLAYING FIELDS
T-Ball games will be played on regulation Shetland/ Pinto fields (50ft between bases.)
V. EQUIPMENT
A. Baseballs, approved by PONY specially designed for T-Ball (Diamond Flexiball DFX-LC5 OL) shall be used.
B. Bats must be T-Ball approved (T-Ball logo on bat). No more than 2.25” barrel.
C. Rubber soled or rubber cleated shoes are permitted. Metal cleats are prohibited.
D. The batter and base runners must wear a NOCSAE approved helmet
VI. PLAYING RULES
A. Defensive Play
1. The entire roster of players shall be used defensively. Coach’s Discretion.
2. Recommended Defensive Positioning:
a. Infield positions (there are 5): “pitcher”, 1B, 2B, 3B, and shortstop. “Pitcher” will play inside 10 ft. pitching circle.
b. Each infield position will have a backup player (approx. 6 ft behind position player). Backup player shall be in ready position, and ready to field a ball that gets past the position player.
c. The position player and backup player shall rotate half way through the offensive team’s line up.
d. If a team has more than ten (10) players, position remainders in the outfield at the dirt/grass line ideally in left and right center.
3. Second inning- All players shall take a different position than played in the first inning.
4. 1B, 2B, 3B and shortstop shall not play more than 5 feet in front of the baselines for any batter (for the kids’ safety).
5. EMPHASIZE in practice throwing baseball to first base from a distance. Do not throw from close range!
B. Offensive Play
1. The entire roster of players present for the game shall bat in rotation.
2. Tees are mandatory for first three (3) games i.e. no coach pitching for first three games. After that time, at the coach’s discretion, the players can hit live coach pitching.
3. Batting Tee Use:
a. Tee shall be placed on home plate.
b. Batter will not swing until cleared by offensive tee coach. The pitcher will not make a throwing motion.
c. When the defensive team is ready, the offensive tee coach will place the ball on the tee and then clear the batter to swing.
d. The batter will have unlimited tee swings to put the ball in play.
e. The offensive tee coach will remove the tee prior to a player crossing home plate.
4. Coach Pitching Option:
a. Coach pitcher will stand a reasonable distance from plate and Coach catcher will stand at backstop.
b.Coaches may pitch underhand or overhand from said reasonable distance. The coach will throw six (6) pitches to the batter. If the ball has not been put into play after 6 pitches, the batter will have unlimited tee swings to put the ball into play.
c. Coach pitcher will make either an underhand or ideally an overhand throw.
d. Coach pitcher and coach catcher may direct and coach the team.
5. Ball in Play
a. A “fair ball” arc shall be scribed 6 ft. in front of home plate from 1st to 3rd base foul lines. A batted ball that does not cross the “fair ball” arc will be a foul ball.
b. A “fair ball” that touches a coach/ parent will be considered a “live ball” and will not stop play.
6. Running the Bases
a. If the defensive team gets the batter or base runner “out”, the offensive player will remain on the base.
b. The batter will stop at 1st base after a hit (no extra bases). Existing base runners. advance to next bases in sequence.
c. Ball is dead after runners advance to next base and defensive team gets ball to first baseman.
d. The last batter of each inning will hit and run for a Home Run, “clearing the bases”.
e. Base runners may not lead-off or steal bases. No “on deck” batting practice.
7. Bat Safety
a. Batters will not pick up a bat unless their helmet is on.
b. Players will not pick up bat in the dugout until it is their turn to bat or going on-deck.
c. The only people allowed in the on-deck batting area shall be coach and player who is “on-deck” (next at bat player). This player must wear helmet .
VII. LENGTH OF GAMES
Games shall last 2 innings (max 55mins). If both teams have not batted through in the 2nd inning but 55 minutes has elapsed, game must halt.
VIII. UMPIRES
League will not provide umpires. Coaches will make any necessary umpire calls during game.
IX. MANAGERS and COACHES
A. Manager will select 2 assistant coaches. These 3 coaches will wear team uniform during games. Uniformed coaches may act as tee coach, coach pitcher, coach catcher or base coaches. Manager may recruit parent volunteer coaches to fill absences.
B. Manager may allow parent volunteers to stand on the field of play near defensive players to offer instruction and provide safety.
C. Manager will designate a dugout supervisor- Team Parent or other parent volunteer. Dugout supervisor will help with batting order, equipment, and overall dugout safety.
POLICY / PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Board of Directors of Seal Beach Pony Baseball (SBPB) has adopted the following policy and procedure for SBPB Specific Playing Rules. This addendum shall take precedence over any previous version. Play shall be governed by Official Baseball Rules, with exceptions which are listed in the official PONY Baseball Rulebook, unless otherwise modified here. This policy / procedure may only be amended by a majority vote of the SBPB Board of Directors prior to the start of the regular season.
Local rules are exceptions to the official PONY rules and apply to all home games. Download the 2012 T-Ball Local Rules
