YMCA COACHES PITCH RULES

 YMCA Coaches Pitch is values oriented program that stresses the importance of participation and fun through the character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.  It is designed to teach teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship within a positive, educational, and safe environment.  Rules and equipment are modified to accommodate young athletes. 

1. A team consists of 8 players on the field at a time.  Each position will be covered and there will be an additional outfielder. 

2. Equipment consists of soft tee-balls, tee-ball bats and a heavy batting tee. Provided by YMCA. Gloves not included.

3. No metal cleats of any kind are allowed

4. Bases are approximately 50 feet apart.

5. Regulation games are one hour.  Home team gets last bat.

6. The batter will have 7 tries to hit the ball pitched by the coach of the batting team.  If the batter does not get a hit after 7 tries he is out.  Three foul balls constitute a walk. 

7. Batters are not permitted to bunt.

8. Players are not permitted to steal or lead off bases.

9. There is no infield fly rule.

10. One coach and two parents will be allowed to station themselves in the field area to help and encourage players, but will not be permitted to physically participate in the play.  Coaches and parents of the offensive team my position themselves as 1st and 3rd base coaches, and my help assist the batter.

11. Players shall not throw the bat after hitting the ball.  After one warning for throwing the bat, the player will be called out. 

12. All infielders must play at least 35 feet away from home plate.

13. Base runners may not advance on any overthrow on foul or fair territory.

14. If a team scores 7 runs in one inning, the teams will switch.

15. The coaches must agree on all umpiring decisions.  Remember that this is a fun league.

Coaches must be safety conscientious, must keep winning in perspective, and must exchange handshakes after each game.