Tee Ball Baseball Rules

All the rules listed in the Little League Rules and Regulations for Baseball Divisions shall apply. The following highlights those rules and makes modifications as determined appropriate by the Board of Directors.

Games/Innings

Games may not last more than one hour from their scheduled start time. (LL Rules, VII(h); 4.10(f))

There is no limit to the number of innings that may be played.

No official or unofficial scores or league standings shall be kept. (LL Rules, VII(h); 1.01, Note)

Batting

All teams must use a continuous batting order, meaning that the entire roster of players players present must be placed in the batting order. (LL Rules, 2.0, Batting Order; 4.04, Note 1, Note 2)

A team’s turn at bat ends after every player in the batting order bats. (LL Rules, 5.07, Tee Ball)

There is no on-deck circle allowed in Little League. Under no circumstances shall any player have a bat in hand until the player is wearing a Little League approved batting helmet, an adult is immediately present, and it is time for the player to bat. (LL Rules, 1.08, Note 1)

Only the first batter of each half-inning will be permitted outside the dugout between half-innings. (LL Rules, 1.08, Note 2)

Bat boys and bat girls are not permitted. (LL Rules III(b))

Only a coach, not players, may put the ball on the tee for each batter.

There are no walks or strikeouts. Batters may swing until they hit the ball in play. (LL Rules, 2.00 Strike, Note)

Batters may not bunt. If a player bunts, it is a foul ball. (LL Rules, 2.00, Bunt, Tee Ball)

Pitching

The batter must hit off the tee. Pitching is not allowed by players or coaches. (LL Rules III(c), Tee Ball)

The Easton Incrediball (or an equivalent style approved by the board of directors) is the official ball for the Tee Ball division. (LL Rules, 1.09)

Runners

Base runners may not lead off or steal and must stay in contact with the base until the ball is hit. (LL Rules 7.13, Note; 7.13, Examples 16)

Runners may advance only one base per hit ball.

Runners may be called out to reward good defense, but they should remain on their base.

Runners must slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. (LL Rules 7.08(a)(3)) (Note: Most tee ball players will not slide, but they may and should be encouraged to do so if they are able.)

When the last roster batter hits the ball, the batter and all runners may advance to home plate.

Fielding

All players present must play in the field every inning. (LL Rules, 4.01(d), Note 1)

Except the pitcher and catcher, any fielder may be stationed anywhere in fair territory. (LL Rules, Note 1; 4.03(c))

Note: Coaches are encouraged to play their players in proper positions.

All players must play a minimum of one inning in the infield and one inning in the outfield.

Catchers are not required. If a team chooses to have a catcher, the catcher must wear a catcher’s helmet with mask.

Coaches

The offensive team may have three adult coaches on the field, one in the 1st base coaches box, one in the 3rd base coaches box and one near home plate. (LL rules, 2.00, Base Coach; 4.05)

The defensive team may have coaches on the playing field for instructional purposes. (LL Rules, XIV(d), Exception)

A coach or team parent must be in the dugout with the players at all times. (LL Rules XIV(d); 4.05(2))

Umpires

Both managers are to umpire each game.

Managers shall warn or disqualify, with or without a warning, any player for any conduct which presents a safety hazard. This includes losing control of or intentionally throwing bats or helmets, among other actions. Managers shall have discretion to assess the penalty deemed appropriate given the circumstances.