ROOKIE DIVISION RULES

Spring 2024

Official Game:        4 innings or Time Limit (whichever comes first.)

Time Limit:                60 minutes.

Pitching:                Batting tee only.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

Batting:                Each team will bat their entire lineup in each half inning regardless of the number of outs or runs.  Teams are not to switch to defense until all their players bat in their half inning. This rotation shall continue throughout the game regardless of the number of outs or runs.  

Substitution:                Everyone plays.  No one sits.

Scoring:                No score kept.

Field Maintenance:        Both teams are responsible for making sure all trash is picked up.

Offense

• If some players receive 1 less at-bat than other players during a game, at the next game those batters who received one less at-bat should bat at the top of the order.
• Each batter hits off a batting tee.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

• If a batter is unable to hit the ball after three swings, a coach should assist him or her until contact is made.
• Players called out are not removed from the base.
• Players may not advance on an overthrow.
• For the last batter in each inning – play the game as you would with the other batters.  Do not have the last batter (and base runners) run around all the bases unless the play is still live. 

Defense

• All players play defense – no one sits out.
• Players MUST ROTATE POSITIONS on defense each inning and, to the extent possible, should alternate between infield and outfield. Every player must play at least 2 innings of infield every game. Throughout the season, every player should play every position including pitcher and 1B.  Please take safety concerns into account when positioning your players.  
• No outfielder may receive a fly ball or ground ball and run to the base for a force out or to tag a runner.  An outfielder must throw the ball to an infielder.
• There are 5 infield positions (P 1B, 2B, 3B, SS) – all others play the outfield at least 15 feet beyond infield.
• Play is dead once the ball is returned to the infield area (no one need catch the ball).  All players return or advance to the next base depending on whether or not they have reached halfway between the bases at the time the ball reaches the infield area.

Coaches

• Up to four coaches are allowed in Rookie Ball:  1B and 3B coaches, one bench coach (to help get the players   in batting order, enforce safety rules, and ensure the players stay off the field) and one additional coach to help the batter.
• Only two (2) defensive coaches are allowed on the field – both must be in the outfield.

Safety

• No on-deck batters allowed – EVER.
• No child may hold a bat unless he/she is at the plate.  Assign a bench coach or parent to ensure that players do not grab or swing a bat while waiting for their turn at the plate.
• All batters and runners must wear a batting helmet with a NOCSAE-approved face mask.
• USA Baseball approved Tee Ball bats only.

Pitching

• No players may pitch. All players must use the tee the entire season.