All rules according to most recent Little League Rules and Regulations.
In addition, the following “Local Rules” shall apply: Introduction: the summer coach-pitch league is strictly an instructional league, which emphasizes instructing, and coaching boys and girls in the game of baseball/softball. The final scores of the game, win-loss records and league standings are meaningless statistics. The object of the league is instruction, sportsmanship and fun.
Gameday: The games should be part clinic, part game. The first 30 minutes of the gametime should be used for drills. Drills can either be done separately by team, or with both teams together. The next 60 minutes will be used for the game.
Team size: the league goal is to play 10 player ball, however, all players present should play the field. Use 4 outfielders spaced evenly apart across the outfield (outfielders must be on the outfield grass).
Batting order: use a full team continuous batting order, regardless of whether assigned to the field position or not in the inning.
Guidelines regarding batting rotation: The goal is to get each player a minimum of 3 at bats.
If at least one team has more than 10 players, then the batters per inning for each team shall be the number of players on the team with more players divided by 2, rounded upward (e.g. if the team with more players has 10 players, then 5 bat each inning for each team; if the team with more players has 11 or 12 players, then 6 bat each inning for each team). The game will last 6 innings.
If both teams have less than 10 players, then everyone will bat in each inning, and the game will last 3 innings.
Pitching: managers and coaches will pitch to their own team. The batting team will assign a coach or parent to back up the catcher, to keep the game moving. You will station a player on the pitching mound to act as a pitcher after the ball is hit. Allow this player to play this position with the exception of throwing to the batter.
Pitching mound: approximately 30 feet from home plate.
Balls and strikes: balls and strikes are not called. Manager must encourage their players to hit the ball. After five (5) missed swings by a batter, a tee should be placed on the plate, and the player will hit off a tee. If a player wishes to hit off the tee from the beginning of their at-bat rather than face coach-pitch, the player may elect to do so. Remember this is an instructional league give the kids a chance to hit the ball. Excess pitches and swings without hitting the ball discourages the batter and the fielders.
Catchers: try to develop at least two per team. Remember as the little leaguer grows the catcher takes on an importance equal to the pitcher. You will need more than one catcher because 6 innings is too long for one player to catch in the warm weather. Teach catchers (all players) to avoid turning away from the ball exposing head, shoulders and ribs at an angle where equipment does not protect them.
Positioning: Make sure all kids get to play most positions on a rotating basis. All kids should play infield and outfield. A coach or manager should make up a position assignment prior to the game and rotate the positions as the game goes on. This eliminates discussion between players and coaches between innings and allows the game to move along. If a kid is still learning to catch, you may want to avoid placing them at pitcher, first base, and second base (since most kids are righty and swing late).
Helmets: without exception, helmets must be worn by all kids batting.
Coaches: There should be a maximum of two coaches on the field instructing the fielders on what to do. For the batting team there must be one coach/manager pitching to the players and another backing up the catcher. These actions will speed up play. One coach must remain in dugout.
Cleats: sneakers are adequate, but rubber cleats are recommended.
Scoring: all games end in a tie. Keeping score is discouraged.
Base running: this is considered a ‘base to base’ division meaning that all hits are a single. The final batter of each half inning will hit a “home run” no matter what to clear the bases (please avoid a play at the plate for the last batter as it often leads to chaos with the batter trying to avoid the catcher who has the ball long before the batter gets there). There is no stealing and no advancing on passed balls or wild pitches. Base runners cannot take leads. If a runner leads, they should be cautioned, but they are not out. Try to teach them basic base running; do not allow them to run at will.
Forfeits: try not to forfeit a game there are no standings and the kids come to play. Share kids and make the best of it.
Safety: begin teaching safety at the first practice and don't stop. There is no on-deck practice swings allowed. The only player who should have a bat in his hands is the batter when he/she is at the plate.
Keep all players coaches and equipment not involved in the game in the dugout.
Bunting: bunting is not allowed.
Bats: all bats must meet little league regulations and must be stamped "approved little league".
Manager's biggest need: a sense of humor in this part of the program the object is to teach baseball/softball and sportsmanship.
Your job as manger/coach is to control the parents, other coaches and the kids to ensure this will be conducted as a teaching-recreation program. Give all children a chance to play and have fun.
Reread manager’s biggest need! You the manager/coach are being evaluated by the league commissioner, the executive committee and the league president. Whether you are invited back to manage/coach depends not on your win-loss record but on how you managed the team, how you taught the players and how you got along with your fellow managers, coaches, and parents etc.
CONDUCT AND SAFETY REGULATIONS:
Teams cannot harass one another.
No arguments between managers. Play the game in a happy frame of mind.
Prior to all games, managers must meet with opposing manager/ coach to discuss the ground rules.
Catchers must wear proper protective equipment, mask and helmet with throat guard, chest protector with groin protector. All boys must wear protective cup.
