In addition to the Common Rules, these rules apply to Rookie A & B:

Rookie A & B Rules

• Rookie B hitting progression (New for 2019)
  • Weeks 1 & 2, Players will hit off a tee.
  • Weeks 3 & 4, Coaches will throw underhand.
  • Weeks 5 to the end of the season, Coaches will throw overhand, with the option of throwing underhand when needed. 

• The home team will supply a Volunteer Plate Umpire. The Visiting team will provide the Base Umpire. (Home plate umpire has the final word in any matter concerning the rules. Volunteer umpires are greatly appreciated—Coaches are to ensure the umpire is familiar with the rules).

• The “Coach-Pitch” is to pitch from the mound (approx 35’) or at a distance determined by the coach.  Bases are 60’ apart.

• There are 10 players permitted on the field defensively. (9 regular defensive players and a “rover” who may be positioned as an extra outfielder or as a second shortstop between 1st and 2nd bases. Teams may play with a minimum of 8 players). NOTE: All outfielders (including the “rover”) must start on the grass until the ball is hit. The goal is to provide additional outfield coverage, while still teaching proper infield positioning (discourage the player from just standing on the base).  

• With a coach pitching, the defensive player covering the pitcher position is called the pitcher’s helper.  That player should be positioned behind and to one side of the coach pitching.  That player must wear a batting helmet in the field.

• A batted ball must travel more than 20 feet to be considered a hit. A radius line should be drawn on the infield to ensure that everyone is aware of this distance.  Balls within the radius line are foul.  Simply stated-no intentional bunting.

• Limit advancing on overthrows to 1 base

• In tier A, the catcher should return the ball to the coach pitching after each pitch.  In tier B, the coach pitching should have 5 balls that the umpire returns at the end of the at bat.  This dramatically speeds up play.

• There are a maximum of 5 pitches or 3 Strikes*. An additional pitch is allowed on a fouled last or subsequent pitch.  In tier B, there will be no strike outs, after 3 strikes or the 5th pitch, the tee will be used to put the ball in play.

• No sliding into 1st base - this is an automatic out. Players may slide when returning to 1st Base or into 2nd, 3rd or Home Plate.

• Any runner is out when the runner does not slide or attempt to avoid contact with a defensive player who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag (umpire will use discretion).  Runners are not forced to slide, this is a non-collision rule. When the ball is caught by the fielder and is in close proximity of any base/plate and in the umpire’s discretion a play is eminent, it is the responsibility of the runner to avoid collision with the fielder either by sliding or avoiding the tag. If in the umpire’s discretion, the collision is deliberate or there is too much contact the runner will be called out.

• Caught foul tip is an OUT if third strike or last pitch. A foul tip is when the ball has made contact with bat and goes sharp and direct to the glove of the catcher and is caught.

• No infield fly rule shall be called at this level.

• Up to two coaches of the defensive team are permitted in the outfield to instruct their team but may not make contact with the ball.

• Runners may not leave their bases until the ball is hit. Stealing bases is prohibited.

• The ball is considered “dead” immediately upon being returned to the infield, unless put back in play

NOTE 1: Infield means the ball has crossed over the grass back onto the gravel

NOTE 2: Runner may advance only if he/she is more than halfway to the next base when the ball is returned to the infield. While advancing or returning to the base, the runner moves at the risk of being tagged.

NOTE 3: After the ball enters the infield (NOTE 1), the ball is considered back in play if an attempt is made to tag the runner. An attempt to return the ball to the player pitcher that goes errant is not considered a play. If the ball is put back in play, it is considered back in the infield after the throw to the pitcher is started.