Greater Kingston Softball Association Inc.

2009 T-Ball Rules

 

The purpose of T-Ball is to introduce the sport of softball to the young in as informal, yet structured setting as possible, realizing it is just a game for all involved.  A high priority is in developing social skills as well as baseball skills.

 

1.           All team members shall be in the batting order. 

2.          The fielding team will be comprised of:  pitcher, catcher, first, second and third base, a left shortstop and all remaining players in the outfield. 

3.          A team shall have no more than 10 players and no less than 6 to be eligible for a legal game.  Players may be borrowed from the opposing team if agreement is reached with both teams.  A game may be played with less than 6 players if agreed to by both coaches. 

4.          An inning will consist of each team batting all players present.  The same batting order will be followed each inning, except in succeeding innings the former first batter will bat last (thereby moving each batter up a position).  The last batter must be declared by the coach to the umpire. The inning is over after the last batter bats.  The last batter of the inning is to be encouraged to keep running and try for a “home run”.  This is fun for the runner and the fielders, who have a great chance of getting an out.  

5.          A batter will be allowed a total of 5 attempts to hit the ball in fair territory.  Bunting is not allowed.

6.         The infield fly rule will not be used. 

7.          (A.) Base runners can only advance a base on a ball that has been hit in fair territory.  Base runners cannot leave the base before the ball is hit.  No stealing allowed.

(B)       Umpires are not to call a player out for lead off they are to send the child back to the base with a brief explanation.

(C)      If a runner is hit by a ball they are not out but again the situation is explained to the child and coach

(D)      Batting out of order will not constitute an out. 

8.         The infield will be a distance of 42 feet from home plate to first base, home plate to third base, and the same from third and first base to second. 

9.      A player called out will return to the bench and play resumes. 

10.    Defensive players must not interfere with the base runners.  Players should  not stand on the base or on the base paths unless fielding the ball.          

11.   Infielder, with the exception of the pitchers, will not be permitted within 36 feet  of home plate (i.e.  6 feet inside the baseline) until the ball is batted.

12. If a batter lets go of the bat, while swinging at the ball or throws the bat after hitting the ball the batter will be warned by the umpire.  This rule is for the protection of fellow players and spectators and to break bad habits at an early age.

13. When a batted ball is fielded by an infielder and the infielder is not making a play on a base runner, the play is ruled dead.  When a ball is returned to the infield from the outfield, the ball shall be ruled dead as soon as it arrives in the infield.  All runners must stop at the base they are going to or the base they are on.

14. One coach of the fielding team may coach from any place past the 45-foot infield distance.  The offensive team may have 3 coaches on the field.  One coach at first and third base and one at the plate.  The coach at the plate must step back before the words play ball are said.  Coaches nay not enter the infield while the ball is in play.

15. On a thrown ball going out of play at first or third base, base runners get the base they are going to only.  Should it be a fenced diamond and the ball hits the fence the ball is out of play.

16. Batters will not bat the ball until the official calls “Play Ball”.

17. A player may not play two consecutive innings in the outfield.  Players will be rotated to different positions between the infield and outfield.

18. All games start at 6:30.  a time limit has been set on T-Ball so that no new inning is to begin after 7:30.  Note:  diamonds are available for practice/warm-up prior to the game.  Teams shall share the infield practice time.

19. There will be no playoffs.

20. No official score is kept all games end in a tie.

21. Shorts will be permitted; long pants are encouraged for safety.

22. Pitchers are required to wear helmets with face cages (one per team)

23. No Jewelry!! No rings, watches, necklaces or earrings including studs.  If it can’t come off or be taken out then make sure the umpire does not see it. (cover with tape or band-aid).  If the umpire sees the jewelry then it must be removed or the player is ruled ineligible to play.  Medic alert is the

     exception!!

24. All other rules of GKSA will apply.

 

 NOTE:  THESE RULES SHOULD BE APPLIED WITH GREAT DISCRETION.  T- BALL IS A GRASS ROOTS BALL EXPERIENCE AND IT SHOULD BE THE      DESIRE OF THE LEAGUE THAT THE PLAYERS RECEIVE A GOOD FOUNDATION OF THE GAME.  COACHES AND UMPIRES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ASSIST THE PLAYERS AND HELP THEM TO LEARN TO PLAY THE GAME THE PROPER WAY THE FIRST TIME.