KOUTS YOUTH BASEBALL
T-BALL RULES
The following are the rules for the Kouts Youth Baseball T-Ball Division. T-Ball is a co-ed division. These rules have been established to provide for consistent play under a structured athletic environment.
General Introduction: The following rules and regulations shall govern the conduct and operation of the Kouts Youth T-Ball League. These rules supersede all previous rules and shall be effective until revised. It shall take a majority vote of the league members present to adopt or amend these rules once adopted.
Purpose: The purpose of the T-Ball division is to help kids learn the fundamentals of the game and to develop good sportsmanship while having fun. These rules have been established to provide for consistent play in a healthy and positive structured athletic environment.
Teams: Each Team will consist of only those players officially registered and listed on the team roster provided to the head coach by the league. No more than ten (10) players with a league age of 4-6 will be allowed on any one team. This is subject to change due to registration numbers. Everyone plays the field every inning and everyone bats every inning. Each player present for the game must be rotated through all positions throughout the games and the season.
Practices & Games: The practice schedule is determined by the league and coaches based on availability. T-Ball will play games in-house only with games on Saturdays, at home in Kouts. At least one parent or guardian must be present at all practices and games.
Game Structure: Game time limit is approximately 60 minutes. An official game is 1&1⁄2 innings. 3 innings max if time allows. No new inning should start after 45 minutes. If a half inning is in process at the 60 minute mark, the game will end upon completion of the half inning. Half innings are complete after the opponent’s full team has batted. The “Home Team” shall occupy the 3rd Base Dugout, and the “Visiting Team” shall occupy the 1st Base Dugout.
Offensive Team: All players shall have an at bat every inning. Batting order can change from inning to inning. All batters will utilize the tee during their at bat. Helmets MUST be worn by ALL batters and runners. A batter shall be allowed unlimited swings as there are no strike outs. Batters must drop or set their bat down after striking the ball prior to running to 1st base. Throwing their bat is NOT permitted. Bunting, lead offs, and stealing are not permitted. Coach pitch may occur in the final inning of the game. 5 pitches per batter then use of tee if required to ensure successful contact. Runners may only advance one base per at bat except in the final at bat. Runners must stay in contact with the base until the ball is hit. After the players have advanced on the bases, time shall be called and the ball shall be placed on the tee for the next batter. The last batter will advance around all bases to end that ½ of the inning. Offensive coaches will be around the home plate area to help the batters and umpire home plate. The offensive coach will remove the tee and bat after each hit. The hitting team can have 1st and 3rd base coaches, and 2nd base may be used when necessary. The offensive team needs to announce the last batter to the opposing team. There shall be no protests.
Defensive Team: All players shall be in the field. Players must be rotated to different
positions in the field. There are no catchers in T-Ball. Fielders should attempt to make the out at first base. The player occupying the defensive position of pitcher must remain in contact with the pitcher's mound until the ball is hit. Coaches may stand near their players to give instruction, but must not interfere with play. The coaches must call time before attempting to demonstrate the technique or explain a play to the players during the progress of the game. The defensive coaches may be in the field of play with the players while on defense and umpire the bases. Proper defensive play to make outs is encouraged, but outs are typically not enforced. There shall be no protests.
Uniform: Kouts Youth Baseball will provide jerseys and baseball hats for all T-Ball players. T-Ball players can wear black shorts or pants, whichever they choose. Socks and gym shoes or baseball cleats are required. Shoes with metal spikes or cleats are not permitted.
Equipment: All players must have a helmet. Helmets must be worn during batting and base running. Players will need a baseball glove and a T-Ball bat with an official USA stamp on the barrel. Sharing of bats is acceptable. The Kouts Youth T-Ball League will provide T-Balls and Tees for all practices and games.
Coaching: The head coaches are responsible for maintaining control of the game and
must have good knowledge of the rules.
Conduct: Our primary purpose at this age group is to teach the players the basic rules and fundamentals of the game in a safe and positive environment while instilling a love for the game of baseball. Positive reinforcement should be used by coaches, players, and fans. As a coach, remember that your conduct is being watched by players, parents, and coaches on both teams. Concerns regarding conduct by a coach, player, or parent should be brought to the attention of the Kouts Youth Baseball Tee-Ball Commissioner immediately. As this does not happen often, in the event that a coach is ejected from a game for behavior and/or language the coach is automatically suspended from that team’s next scheduled game. All ejections shall be reported to the board of directors. Repeat offenses may result in dismissal as a coach and/or ban from the Kouts Youth Baseball League. In the event a fan or spectator is ejected from a game for behavior or language, that fan is automatically barred from attending that team’s next scheduled game. All ejections shall be reported to the board of directors. Repeat offenses may result in a permanent ban from all future Kouts Youth Baseball League events and facilities.
Weather: Cancellations due to weather will be determined and agreed upon by both teams coaches. If ANY lightning is sighted, thunder is heard, or sirens go off the fields must be cleared immediately! Rescheduling of the game is the responsibility of both teams coaches with approval by the Kouts Youth Baseball Board of Directors. If the field should have to be closed due to “field conditions” then the field is closed for the rest of the day and no games are to be played on the field.
End of Game: All players will line up and shake hands at the completion of each game, and conduct themselves with good sportsmanship.
The following link contains a PDF of the T-Ball Rules for the Kouts Youth Baseball League:
Kouts Youth Baseball T-Ball Rules