Modified T-Ball - Coach Pitch Division

2012 GROUND RULES COACH/MACHINE PITCH

The Modified T-Ball division of Taconic Little League will follow the playing rules described below. At no time should winning or losing a game take priority in this program!

1. Game will be played with a “Safe-T” ball.

2. Games shall consist of four (4) innings OR a Time Limit of 90 minutes whichever comes first.

3. No Game Scores or Win/Loss records will be maintained.

4. Continuous Batting Order – All players on the team roster present for the game shall bat.

5. Each half inning shall consist of batting through all players in the batting order. The batting order may be reversed each inning, or started in the middle. The Manager shall rotate (change) the batting orders from game to game.

6. Minimum Play Rule – All players shall be on the field defensively, normal infielders total – remaining players fan out across the outfield.

a. All Players will be limited to one (1) inning per game at the same defensive position.

b. The pitcher and catcher positions may be played. Pitcher will position himself/herself next to the Pitching Coach. Catcher position is optional, but highly encouraged.

c. The Catcher must be in the “league supplied” protective catcher’s gear, including a protective cup (supplied by the player) and throat protector.

d. Managers should rotate the players defensively and attempt to balance innings between the infield positions and outfield positions.

7. Stealing, Leading, Bunting, Sliding and Walks are not part of this program. Walks may be permitted to keep the game moving along, see “pitches” below.

8. Runners may advance more than one base on a good hit. E.g., if a batted ball is hit into the outfield, batter/ runners may continue to advance until the ball is returned to the infield. Runners should be held to the base they were attempting once the ball reaches the infield. Keep players in control while running the bases; be aware of the location of the baseball at all times.

9. There will be NO base advancements allowed on an overthrow. The intent is to encourage the children to learn how and where the proper throw should be made.

10. No defensive outs shall be counted. All runners are to remain on their respective advanced bases. During the 2nd half of year, outs may be counted if both Coaches agree to it.

11. The Coach Pitcher shall deliver 5 “hittable” pitches to the batter. After 5 ineffective swings, the batter must use the tee to put the ball in play. There are no strikeouts in this division. Player must hit the ball beyond an imaginary line extending out 5 feet from home plate. If less than 5 feet, the ball shall immediately be called “foul” by the Coach Pitcher. Pitches may be thrown from a standing position (overhand or underhand) or while on a knee or knees. (THE MECHANICAL PITCHING MACHINE MAY BE USED IN LIEU OF COACH PITCH).

A. In order to keep the game moving, instead of using the batting tee, a player may be given a “walk”, and proceed to first base.  

12. Two (2) defensive coaches are allowed on the field to help coach the children.

13. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE A BAT OTHER THAN THE BATTER.

14. All Volunteers (on the field or in the dugout) must be “Registered Volunteers” and approved by the League.