City of Mebane Recreation & Parks T-Ball Rules 2025
Roster/Position Rules:
1. Rosters will have a maximum of 12 players per team and a minimum of 10 on their roster
a. ALL players will be in the field on defense and all players will bat each inning.
2. Only 5 Coaches will be allowed in the dugout.
a. Offense
1.Coach 1 – In the Dugout, getting players ready to bat
2.Coach 2 – At the Plate, helping players hit
3.Coach 3 – 1st Base Coach
4.Coach 4 – 3rd Base Coach
5.Coach 5 – Score Keeper
b. Defense (3 In the field MAX)
1.Coach 1 – Right Field/2nd Base Area, helping Direct Play in the infield & outfield
2.Coach 2 – Left Field/Short Stop Area, helping Direct Play in the Infield & outfield
3.Coach 3 – Center Field Area
4.Coach 4 – Stays in the dugout
5.Coach 5 – Score Keeper
3. Defensive coaches may position themselves in the outfield or not closer to where the players stand in the infield to help coach or direct play.
4. All Coaches and Players must be always wearing closed-toed shoes while at the ball fields for games or practices. Both coaches and players will not be allowed to wear metal spiked cleats; they must be hard plastic or rubber.
5. A base coach is allowed at the coaches’ box at 1st and 3rd base to help direct the players. They may not touch or move the players (during a live ball) – Don’t direct players to the base you want them to go!
6. All Players will bat each inning; we will not change sides after 3 outs. (After 5 swings, the coach will step into help the player hit the ball). If a player gets thrown or tagged out by a proper play, that player will then go back to the dugout. If the play is not "proper" the player will stay on the base.
7. All Players will always be on the field; there will be no children on the bench when playing defense.
a. Each team may only have 6 infielders and an unlimited number of outfielders.
8. All outfielders must remain in the grass or behind a chalked line (if present) before the ball is hit.
a. Each player must stay in their position prior to the ball being hit. Example: The player playing 3rd base must stand close to or next to 3rd base before the ball is hit.
b. Only one player is allowed next to the pitching rubber! (They can choose what side to stand on!)
9. Each Coach should present and swap a lineup card with the opposing team.
Game Play Rules:
10. We will not keep score for any T-ball games. Please remember the children are learning the game, not learning to win or lose at this age. A score book is used so we know who has been to games and who has batted.
11. Games will be 3 innings long or a maximum of 60 Minutes (1 hour).
12. Home and Away teams will be designated by head coaches at the field before each game.
13. On the last batter of each inning, the defensive team should bring the ball to home plate before the inning is over. (Tag Home Plate!) – Or may try to make the appropriate out in the field.
a. All Kids will run home anyway….
b. Please advise your Defense to NOT run to dugout until the final runner has reached home plate!
14. It is recommended that the children remain seated on their bench in order that they are supposed to hit. The next child up may be standing w/ bat and ready for his/her turn. Players on deck or “in the hole” have helmets on!
15. Coaches are advised to teach their children to make the correct play associated with baseball and softball: Meaning – Rather than just telling them to call TIME OUT, teach them to try and make a play so they are ready for the next level. Make sure they are throwing it to first base, not running to tag the kid out!
Batting / Running Rules:
16. An arc will be around the home plate, if the ball is hit and does not go past the arc boundaries and in play, the hit will be called foul.
17. Bat throwing results in hitting another player or leaving the circle will result in the batter being called out. Runners may not advance. (Each team will receive one warning each game to the dugout and will be noted in the official book)
18. There will be a halfway mark between each of the bases; if a player is running towards a base and the ball is held by the defense and the umpire calls time-out, the runner will go to the base he is closest to.
a. Once the ball has entered the infield and players have stopped, this will be at the discretion of the umpire; the ball is considered dead when the ball is in possession of the defense.
19. Runners can advance on a passed ball that stays in play, but if the ball goes out of play, they are awarded the next base.
20. Base Runners must wait for the ball to be hit before advancing to the next base.
21. If a runner is thrown out or tagged out because of interference from a defensive player, he or she is awarded the base. (Players cannot stand in the baseline)
22. The final batter of each inning will run for home; defense tries to make a play or tag home!
23. Only T-Ball approved bats are allowed. (This should be clearly stated on the bat)
24. All offensive players hitting, running, or on deck must always have a helmet on.
25. If a Runner is hit by a batted ball in the base path, they will be considered out.
26. It is mandatory that the defensive team make all efforts to throw the runner out at first base assuming the ball does not roll directly to first base or close by. We are trying to teach the fundamentals of the game, not seeing who has the fastest child playing in the field.
Coaches, Parents and Fans:
27. The Coach will place the ball on the tee for the child.
28. No Tobacco or Alcohol is permitted on any field for games or practices.
29. No Profanity is allowed.
30. The two teams will shake hands following each game.
31. Coaches are expected to ensure that all trash is removed from the dugouts after their game.
32. Mebane Recreation & Parks will not reschedule any games unless there is inclement weather. Those games will be made up on Saturdays or added to the end of the season.