This is a continuation of the instructional process that begins in Tee Ball, which advances the player’s knowledge of and proper skills to play baseball. In the Pee Wee division, the score of the games is not recorded.
Teams
1.Each team will consist of six to ten players.
Field Set Up
1. The first team to arrive at the Park is responsible for obtaining the bases and pitching machine from the Kilmer Park field box and to start lining the field. The next team to arrive can set up and test the pitching machine and help finish setting up the field. The last team to arrive is responsible for returning the bases and pitching machine to the field box after all the games are completed.
2. Each Team is responsible for providing its own batting tee.
3. Distance between the bases will be 50 feet.
4. The distance to the home run line will be 90 feet.
The Game
1. In Rally Cap baseball, three teams will meet at the Park at the same time. Two teams will be playing a game while one team will be practicing in the outfield.
2.First team listed will start on 1st base line, 2nd team listed will start 3rd base line, and the 3rd team listed will start practice in the outfield. If one of the first two teams is late have the 3rd team start in the game in order to keep things moving along and no one is waiting around.
3.After each inning played, the teams will rotate. For example, the team along the first base line will rotate to the third base line, the team along the third base line will rotate to the outfield, and the team in the outfield will rotate to the first base line.
4.At each turn batting, all players will come to bat. The half inning will end when all players from one team have completed their turn. It is customary to signify “last batter” to the opposing team.
5.Each player will be used in the field when the other team is hitting.
6.At the end of the games, a relay race around the bases will occur between all three teams that have participated in the games. Teams will start as follows: 1 team on 1st, one team on 2nd, and one team at home plate. Each player will run around and touch each base then pass of a ball to the next player. If teams have less players than the others a player may have to run 2 times.
The Practice
1.While in the outfield, each team will practice the FUNdamentals:
a.Throwing
b.Receiving
c.Hitting
d.Base Running
e.General Knowledge
2.The Coaches are encouraged to use the Getting Started Manual to help prepare practice sessions each time.
3.Players rotate through the different stations each time they come to the outfield.
Fielding
1. All players “play out”, and we strongly suggest rotating the players so that everybody has a chance to spend some time on the infield. If you have a player that has trouble catching thrown balls, do not put this person on first base.
2. Each team may have a maximum of three extra players for fielding and they should be assigned in order to: (a) left-center; (b) right-center; and (c) second base helper, which is just behind the base. One player will be assigned as pitcher. Teams are not permitted to station two pitchers in the infield, or to station any extra infielders in the infield. Outfielders should be positioned approximately two metres from the home run line.
3. The catcher must wear full protective gear.
4. Once the ball comes back into the infield and a player has possession all play stops.
5. All balls that are hit and cross over the home run line on the ground shall be deemed a double and all base runners advance a maximum of two bases.
Pitching
1.The pitching machine operator will be either the manager or coach of the team that is on offence. The operator will show the ball to the batter before placing it on the lever. The ball to be used is a “softy” ball (preferably a #5 density). The pitching machine operator must be attentive to throws coming from the third base side of the circle to first base, moving out of the way or ducking to avoid interference.
2.Each batter receives a maximum of three pitches in which to hit the ball (can be extended for foul balls on the last pitch).
3.There are no walks or strikeouts.
4.After three pitches, if there has not been a hit (in fair territory), a designated coach or parent shall place the Tee in proper position (with the pole positioned in front of the plate, not directly on top of the plate). The batter will hit off the Tee.
5.There will be a ten (10) foot diameter circle around the pitching machine. The pitching machine will be positioned at a distance of 40 feet from home plate .The speed will be set (by mutual agreement of both coaches) and will not be changed during the game. The pitching machine operator may only adjust the height of the pitches.
6.Any batted ball that hits the pitching machine, pitching machine operator or comes to rest in the 10-foot circle will be called dead. The batter will be awarded first base and only runners forced to advance will do so.
7.Pitching machine operators should not catch balls thrown to them unless the ball has been declared dead.
8.Thrown balls, which come to rest in the 10-foot circle, will be called dead.
9.Under no circumstances will a player enter the pitching machine circle. The “pitcher” must stand outside the circle and no nearer than 40 feet from home plate (a line to be marked on each side of the circle). The pitcher is not to stand in front of the pitching machine and shall receive all thrown balls on either side of the pitching machine. In the event that the pitcher (or any other player) should step into the circle with one or both feet (on the line and reaching in is okay) and touch the ball, the ball will be immediately called dead.
Length of game
1.Games should last at least three innings. The childrens’ attention spans will dictate the length of the game. Only continue playing as long as the clear majority are having fun and enjoying the game. No inning should start after one and a half hour of game time.
Umpiring & “Outs”
1.There are no official umpires. The coaches will call the plays. If there is a disagreement, the home team coach shall render the final decision.
2.Safe/out calls are generally obvious. If a play is very close and difficult to call, the runner should be declared safe (remember this is an instructional division).
3.Every out is a force out. There is no tagging of players, even if the play is not a force play.
Rainouts
1.Make-up games, by mutual consent of the coaches, may be played at a time and a field of their choice, subject to availability.
Miscellaneous
1. There is no stealing, even on passed balls.
2. Intentional bunting is not permitted.
3. A parent helper (behind the catcher) speeds up the game immensely.
4. Over running first base is okay.
5. Practice fields are not assigned - coaches must forage for available parks.
6. All players - boys & girls - must wear a gender protector.
To dowload a copy of Rookie rules Click HERE
