Updated: January 2021
NKB T-Ball Division (4U and 5U)
It is important that teams follow these rules to ensure consistency of play throughout this age group. Coaches are discouraged from agreeing on "special" rules at the beginning of the game.
General
1. No inning will commence after one hour and twenty minutes. There will be a one hour and thirty five minute time limit on all games with no maximum number of innings.
2.The bases will be set at 60 feet. Home plate to second base is 84 feet 10 inches.
Offense/Defense
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Teams will bat six hitters per inning with the batting order remaining the same throughout the game.
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The ball must go 15 feet in fair direction before it is considered in play. Bunting is not allowed.
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All players will carry bats down at their side when on the field and in a bag when off the field.
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Managers and coaches are not to throw bats toward the dugouts when the players are not using them.
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A half-inning will consist of batting six players.Once six players have batted, the offensive and defensive team will switch positions.
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Outs will not be recorded. If a player is out, they will remain on base, and the inning will continue up to 6 batters per inning.
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Runners may advance until the ball comes back to the infield and reaches the pitcher in the circle or is received in front of the runner.Please teach kids the habit of throwing the ball in front of the runner to stop play.This will position them to do well at the next level of our organization. NOTE:Once the ball has been thrown to the pitcher, it is considered a dead ball, and no further play can take place.
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A team may field five infielders (there is no catcher, the pitcher may cover home) and all additional players may be placed in the outfield so that no one has to sit out.
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A maximum of three offensive coaches on the field (home plate with batter; first base and third base).
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A maximum of two coaches on the bench.One getting the next batter ready and the other maintaining player safety on the bench (this may be a Team Parent).
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No leading off, no stealing, no sliding.
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Score will not be kept.
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There will be no on deck batter; the players are to wait in the dugout.
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Coaches are encouraged to rotate players to different positions during games.
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Two defensive coaches may position themselves in shallow outfield to coach the defense.
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Bats shall not be more than thirty-three (33) inches in length and not more than 2 3/4 inches in diameter. Bats must be stamped with either BPF 1.15 or with the USA Bat logo. NKB discourages the use of wooden bats, however, wooden barrel bats that do not exceed 2 3/4 inches in diameter are allowed. Any bats listed on the current year’s USSSA “Withdrawn and/or Non-Compliant Baseball Bat Models” listing are not allowed.
WEATHER:
Relating to weather, the goals of NKB are:
* Safety of all participants and spectators first and foremost
* Attempt to “complete” games when possible
With the above goals in mind, the following guidelines should be observed for all games:
1. Before the game begins, the coaches may discuss and decide if conditions are suitable for the game to commence. The coach of the home team is responsible for the final decision. Once the game has begun the umpire is responsible for all decisions pertaining to suspension, resumption and/or cancellation. In divisions without an umpire, the coach of the home team is responsible.
2. At the FIRST incident of lightning OR thunder (REGARDLESS of how far away it seems), all persons will immediately clear the field and seek safe shelter, and the game will be suspended. Scorebooks should note inning, outs, count on batter, and time. The Managers/Coaches and umpire (if applicable) shall decide whether the remainder of the game will be cancelled OR if a 30-minute delay will be observed. (Safe shelter is a building or vehicle)
3. The 30 minute waiting period can be observed if it is likely that threatening conditions will dissipate.
4. The 30 minute clock resets with each occurrence of thunder or lighting.
5. During the delay players are strictly forbidden from any activity and must remain in safe shelter area.
