Iona T-Ball Rules

*A thrown bat will result in one warning and then will be an automatic out. This is for the safety of everyone. After 2 games it will be an automatic out. No warning!!

*No player will strike out. They will all get a chance to hit the ball and run to first base.

For PreK:

*10 batters will bat every inning.

*Outs will only be counted on the score sheet and the player can continue to run the bases.

*Only one base can be taken on a hit. Players are allowed to take extra bases on the 10th batter.

*No running on an overthrow.

*Try to coach from the sidelines, but it may be necessary to be in the field to help. Please use good discretion.

* New Rule— It will not count as an out if fielders run the ball to the base, unless they are occupying that base. They need to throw the ball to get the out. For example, pitchers running the ball and putting it on the tee, or trying to race to tag at home (or any other base) will not count as an out. They need to throw it to the catcher or baseman.

For K-1st:

*The “at-bat” for each team will end when three outs are made. If three outs are not made, the teams “at-bat” will end when 10 batters have batted. One base will be allowed on an overthrow. A runner cannot advance home on an overthrow. *Coaches may help with batting, but will not be allowed in the field unless there is an injury or need to make a quick switch. Please don’t stand in the batting area after you’ve helped the batter.

*A team must begin each game with at least 6 players.

*No bunting is allowed.

*Runners may not lead off the base. On a hit, the runner can advance as far as they can until the ball is in the infield. Once the ball is in the infield, the ball is considered dead. It will be the umpire’s discretion of when the ball is in the infield. Please be compliant if you are asked to send a runner back to a base.

*No new inning will start after 50 minutes. Please be on time. There will be a 10 minute grace period, then a forfeit will be counted.

*It is important to teach players to play all positions. Please do not have them play the same position for more than two innings per game. Please remember they’ve all paid and deserve to play as much as possible regardless of talent level or practices they have attended. No player should sit more than one inning per game.

* New Rule— It will not count as an out if fielders run the ball to the base, unless they are occupying that base. They need to throw the ball to get the out. For example, pitchers running the ball and putting it on the tee, or trying to race to tag at home (or any other base) will not count as an out. They need to throw it to the catcher or baseman.

*Players should play their position. Shortstops or rovers must play deeper than the pitcher, and catchers should field anything short. Basemen should play off the bag two to three feet, not directly over top of it. Outfielders should play at least where the outfield grass starts. All players, especially the pitcher, need to learn to throw to the base they are trying to get an out at, instead of running with the ball. If it makes sense to easily tag a runner, or easily touch the base on a force with a few steps, do it, but in the past several kids stand around and watch the pitcher run to get all the outs. Please do not encourage your pitchers to field the ball and then beat the runner home (or to any other base). Please teach them to throw the ball. This will help their development for future leagues.

*To keep the games moving along, please have your lineups set before the game so that you know each inning where players will play. This will help you keep track of where kids have played and how many times they have sat. If at all possible, have a coach at 1st, 3rd, and someone running the batting order. This will help things run smoothly.

*Rain Outs: Please check cityofiona.org and in case of bad weather. Coaches will be responsible to contact their team.

*Just a note: If you make your batting lineup at the beginning of the season and just rotate the person on the top to the bottom of the lineup every game, everyone gets a chance to bat first and last. If parents know this, they will get the kids to games on time and will not complain that their kid is not batting as much as everyone. If they are late, they will just miss their turn to be first. This is just a suggestion. You may do your line-up however you wish.

• A “soft core” baseball will be used for this program. All players will run the bases one base at a time, with the final batter running all bases from first to home.
• Game: There must be 5 players per team present to start a game. If a team has less than 5 players, the game will continue and that team will receive 2 turns at bat per inning. The first team listed on the schedule will be up to bat first.
• Batting: A single batting order is made and all players will bat in turn. An inning will consist of all players hitting in order. The entire roster will bat. Players must wear a batting helmet while batting and base running. Helmets will need to be shared between teams. There is a limit of 5 swings per player. After the 5th swing the player will take first base.
• Outs: There will be no outs during the inning. Players can not strike out or be tagged out.
• Dug out / On deck: Dug outs will be designated if not available. Players who are not on deck or at bat will remain in the dug out. An on deck circle will be provided.
• Fielding: All fielders are allowed in the infield. No catcher is required but may be used with proper equipment. All players will take the defensive field including the catcher. Parents are encouraged to be on the field with their child to help them.
• Game time: Game time 55 minutes. Teams will complete any innings that have been started, conditions permitting. No official score will be kept. Game time is the time listed on the schedule whether teams start on time or not.
• Injuries: A courtesy runner will be allowed to run for an injured player.

Sportsmanship: Players, coaches, spectators, or other team members will not make disparaging or insulting remarks to or about the opposing players, officials or spectators, or commit other acts that could be considered unsportsmanlike conduct. Chants and cheers are encouraged for all plays. Coaches are responsible for the behavior or their players and spectators. Remember that the emphasis is on FUN and learning.