Rookie Division
General Divisional Information
The Rookie program is a co-ed program for children ages 6 - 8. This is a Coach Pitch division. This is an instructional division where all players will be given the opportunity to play each position.
This division typically meets once a week for a two-hour session. Each session consists of one hour of practice and one hour of game time.
The first hour is practice time. The "away" team will take the infield first. The "home" team will practice in the outfield. After 30 minutes the two sides switch. This will leave the "home" team on the field ready to play. The "away"team should stop practice a little early to get back to the dugout and get the batter ready to hit before game start time.
One hour for game time typically allows for two complete innings. Scores and statistics are not kept. A full inning should always be played. If time allows, subsequent innings can be played, but with modified rules to speed up the game. The modified rules are called out in the following sections and are noted by italics.
Offense
1. Roster Batting
a. The lineup includes all players present that day.
b. If a player leaves or gets injured, their spot in the order will simply be passed over. No “out” is recorded.
c. Players who arrive late get added to the bottom of the batting order.
2. Batting Order must change every week
a. Coaches should print out a random batting order every week prior to game time.
3. Five Pitches per Batter (first two innings)
a. Batter cannot be struck out.
b. If the player has not hit a fair ball after 5 pitches, the player will hit off a batting tee.
4. Three Strikes per Batter (third and subsequent innings)
a. The batter will be called “out” after 3 swings without putting the ball into fair play.
b. The batter will be given one extra swing if they foul off their third swing.
c. Four swings maximum.
5. Three outs per inning
a. If a player is called “out” running the base paths they go back to the dugout.
b. After three outs the offensive team will take the field.
c. If three outs are not recorded, the offensive team will stay at bat until their entire batting order has been up once.
d. All players must bat at least once.
Players will not necessarily have the same number of bats due to Offensive Rule 5b. However, the following exceptions will take place to give every batter at least one at-bat if time is an issue:
Away Team: An extra inning will be played until all batters get 1 at-bat. Outs will not be recorded if more than 3 players still need to go up.
Home Team: Team will stay at bat until all players have batted at least once.
6. No stealing
7. No leading
8. No head-first slides
Pitching
1. Batters are pitched to by a coach from their own team
2. Coaches will sit on one knee to pitch the ball
3. Pitches will be thrown overhand
a. As the season progresses, and/or there are advanced players, pitching speed should increase.
4. An extra base can be used to support the coach
5. Mound distance will vary
a. For beginner players move the mound forward.
b. For advanced players move the mound back.
6. Coaches will not field the ball (except to protect themselves)
Defense
1. All players must play every position over the course of the season, except catcher (and only if a player is afraid to play catcher)
a. Outfield is considered one position.
2. Only six players in the infield
a. Players should rotate positions every inning.
b. The catcher position should be occupied by a defensive player.
A coach should be nearby to help the catcher with equipment, find passed balls, etc.
Player must wear protective gear: Chest Protector, Mask, and Shin Guards.
Player will use their standard fielder's glove, not a catcher's mitt.
c . The pitching mound should have a "pitcher".
3. All other players are in the outfield
a. Outfield is considered one position.
b. Outfielders must be on the outfield grass.
c. No limit to the number of outfielders.
d. Outfielders should be spread evenly across the outfield.