CYBL Coach Pitch Division Coaches are expected to primarily focus on: fundamental baseball skills, teamwork and on creating a safe and fun experience for our Players.
CORE PRINCIPLES:
Work Hard: Coaches will be expected to dedicate their time to the kids and the same is expected for the kids. It is important that we foster strong work habits that, will not only show in their development as a player, but also as a young adult.
Be Respectful: All participants are expected to respect teammates, coaches, umpires and parents at all times, on and off the field. We need to create an environment of respect for all.
Have Fun: Don't lose sight regarding the reason that we are all out here for. We want our children to be competitive but we must realize that this is a recreational sport and it is important to ensure that we are having fun and create a love for the game. This is very important for parents as well as coaches - make it fun for the kids and do not get caught up at winning at all cost.
STANDINGS ARE NOT KEPT FOR THIS DIVISION.
SECTION A – PLAYER SAFETY:
Players Safety is our top priority. If ever there is a question or situation regarding player safety, please contact your Division Commissioner immediately.
1. Concussion – If a player is suspected of a concussion, the player must stop playing immediately and seek medical attention by calling 911.
a. Common signs of a concussion
i. Confused State – Dazed look, vacant state or confusion
ii. Memory Problems – Can’t remember assignment, opponent or location
iii. Symptoms – Headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred or double vision
iv. Lack of Attention – Difficulty sustaining focus or coherent thoughts
v. Slowed or incoherent speech with slow body movements
vi. Behaving in combative or aggressive behavior
vii. Problems with balance and or coordination
2. First Aid – Any player bleeding should stop play to resolve the problem immediately. If bleeding is continuous or a player’s health may be in jeopardy from an injury, call 911 immediately.
a. First Aid Bag is located at the concession stand
i. Includes antiseptic, bandages, band aid and ice packs
3. Swinging Bats – There will be no swinging bats outside of the field fence.
SECTION B – EQUIPMENT
1. Uniforms – Jerseys, caps and baseball pants must be worn during the game
2. Any player crouching behind home plate must be wearing the proper protective equipment, including a cup
3. Metal cleats are not permitted
SECTION C – GAME PARTICIPATION/STARTING AND ENDING THE GAME
4. A regulation game is 5 innings or 1 ½ hours, whichever comes first. A new inning starts when the last out is made, the 5th run scores or the last batter completes their at-bat. A new inning cannot begin after 1 ½ hours. A legal game lasts at least 3 full innings.
5. A minimum of six (6) Players are required to play a game. It is acceptable to borrow a Player from the opposing team if the Coaches agree.
a. All players present will be in the batting order.
b. A player arriving after the start of the game will be added to the end of the batting order.
c. If a player leaves the game for any reason, the vacated spot is simply skipped with no penalty.
d. If a player must leave the game for any justifiable reason and returns later, the player will resume in the same place in the batting order.
6. A maximum of ten (10) players may be placed in the field with maximum of five (5) outfielders (LF, LCF, CF, RCF, RF).
a. There is no catcher.
b. Outfielders cannot play on the infield dirt.
c. No player may sit defensively more than 2 innings per game. It is recommended that no player sit more than 1 inning.
d. A player may play the pitching position for only one inning per game.
e. A player may play first base for only one inning per game.
f. The players must rotate each inning and a rotation of the players between outfield and infield positions is strongly encouraged.
7. Coaches should rotate Players to allow them to learn each position, using sound judgment and safety precautions with skilled positions.
8. There are no protests at this age level since standings are not kept. However, the Board should be informed if any manager, player or parent exhibits unkind or unsportsmanlike behavior.
SECTION D - BATTING:
1. A league approved batting helmet must be worn while hitting.
2. The batter must stay in the batters box when striking the ball.
3. The batter gets eight (8) pitches to put the ball in play.
4. A strikeout consists of five (5) swinging strikes. A strikeout will not be considered a defensive (team) out. A foul on the last pitch allows the batter an additional pitch.
5. A hit batter is considered a ball. The batter does not take first base.
6. Bunting is not allowed.
7. Only one player is allowed in the on-deck circle. The player must be wearing a league approved helmet while in the on-deck circle. The remaining offensive players should be on the bench.
8. Coaches should give a courtesy verbal warning to the opposing team’s players when a strong Batter “BIG BAT” is up to the plate and should instruct the Player in the Pitcher position to play back an extra 5-10’ as a safety precaution.
SECTION E – PUTTING THE BALL IN PLAY
1. The end of a half inning will occur when one of the following first occurs:
a. Three (3) defensive outs are made.
b. The team at bat scores 5 runs. It is recommended that any base runners behind the 5th run do not run home.
c. A maximum of 12 batters step to the plate
2. Runners may not advance on an overthrow to a base.
3. It is recommended that runners advance one base at a time when ball is put into play, 2 bases max if hit well to gap in outfield. If a player hits it over the fence they are permitted to advance four bases.
4. A player may not roll the ball underhand to a base. An attempt must be made to throw the ball overhand. If the ball is rolled, a defensive (team) out will not be recorded.
5. A defensive player may not tag a base outside the normal range for the position they are currently playing. For example, a shortstop may not run to tag first base or an outfielder may not tag a base.
6. The infield fly rule does not apply.
7. The hidden ball trick is illegal in all divisions.
SECTION F – BASE RUNNING:
1. If a batted ball hits a runner, the runner returns to the bench, but it is counted as a personal out and NOT as a defensive out.
2. The runner(s) must stop at the next base when an infielder makes a throw to any base or the moment the ball is thrown by an outfielder toward an infielder.
3. Advances on overthrows are not allowed.
4. Lead-offs and base stealing are prohibited.
5. Batting helmets must be worn while running the bases.
6. Interference will not be called unless it is deliberate and/or willful.
7. If there is a close play on a runner at any base the runner must make an attempt to slide.. If the runner does not slide and there is contact with the defensive player, the runner is called out (a defensive out). Deliberate barreling at any base will result in ejection from the game.
8. A player who has made an out cannot remain on base and must return to the bench.
9. It is recommended that runners advance one base at a time when ball is put into play, 2 bases max if hit well to gap in outfield.
SECTION G – THE PITCHER
1. The team at bat will provide a Coach who will pitch the ball with an overhand delivery.
2. The player playing the pitcher position must be within 6 feet of the adult pitcher.
3. The adult coach must make every attempt to avoid interference with a ball in play.
SECTION H – DEEFENSE:
1. There is no infield fly rule.
2. Pop-ups hit in the infield:
a. A Baserunner cannot tag and advance to the next base on an infield fly ball that is caught by an infielder in the infield.
b. A Baserunner must advance if the situation calls for it if the infield pop-up is dropped. (Infield fly rule does not apply in this division).
SECTION I – COACHING:
1. A maximum of two defensive Coaches may roam the field to assist and instruct the defensive team.
2. Two offensive base Coaches at 1st and 3rd can support the Batter with instructing and advancing baserunners.
3. Line-ups at the end of the game to congratulate the other team.
a. Each team should lineup on their (1st or 3rd) baseline.
4. SAFETY – NO PRACTICE SWINGS OUTSIDE OF THE FIELD OF PLAY (HAVE TEAM MOMS/DADS OR ASSISTANTS WATCH THE BENCH)
5. SAFETY – IF A CHILD IS HURT, THE GAME STOPS AND KIDS TAKE A KNEE UNTIL THE COACH/PARENT HAVE ASSESSED THE SITUATION. FIRST AID KITS ARE LOCATED AT THE CONCESSION STAND. IF INJURY IS DEEMED TO BE SERIOUS, CALL 911 EMERGENCY.
SECTION J – THE GAME:
1. The Home team will occupy the 3rd baseline / The Visiting team will occupy the 1st baseline – please observe this and explain to your players’ parents to avoid arguments.
2. Bases will be set at 50’.
3. There are no bat restrictions in this division.
4. The managers or acting managers will function as the umpires with all the duties and responsibilities of controlling unruly players, parents and/or fans.
5. At the first sign of lightning or other hazardous condition, the managers will suspend play. If the conditions persist, the game must be cancelled
6. The managers will mutually determine the playability of the fields once the teams arrive at the field keeping the safety of the participants foremost in the decision making process.