Tee-ball: Rules of Play  

This document provides guidelines for conducting games at the Tee Ball level of play. As a developmental league, our primary goal is to prepare players to progress through the Little League system and eventually participate in the Majors.

  Hitting  

Number of Players in the Field

• Teams can place as many players in the field as they would like.
• To avoid crowding the infield, Managers should field the traditional infield positions plus one additional infield player (usually at second base).

Infield Positions

• Field 6 or 7 players at the Manager’s discretion.Outfield Positions:Assign as many positions as needed at the Manager’s discretion.

Encroachment

• While there is no specific rule regarding encroachment, try to avoid this type of play.
• Even players who need the most development deserve the opportunity to make a play.

Player Rotations

• Aim to play all team members an equal number of innings in both the outfield and infield during the season.
• There is no position specialization in Tee Ball.

  Umpires  

• There are no umpires in Tee Ball.

  Other Considerations  

• Ball: The only ball to be used is the “Safe-T-Ball” provided by the League. This safety ball is engineered specifically for Tee Ball.
• Bats: Bats must have a 2 ¼ inch barrel and be Little League approved.
• Bat Storage: During a game, keep bats under your control. There is no warm-up circle in Little League, so your on-deck batter needs to be in the dugout. Keep the bats on the fence OUTSIDE the dugout. Absolutely no bats in players’ hands unless they are up to bat (no exceptions).
• Bench Players: Organize the dugout during warm-ups. Be cheerleaders for your team. Consider teaching baseball chants to your players.
• Inning Run Rule: There is no inning run rule in Tee Ball. All players who bat will score.
• Time Limit/Inning Limit: Games have a time limit of 60 minutes or 3 innings, whichever comes first. Teams will agree on a mutual number of minutes for warm-ups. The visiting team warms up first, and the home team warms up second, staying on the field to begin the game. Managers can waive warm-up time to provide more game time.
• Post-Game Etiquette: Teams should pack up and clear out of the dugout area promptly after their game. Post-game team meetings and conversations should take place off the field and away from the dugout area. Be considerate of the next teams preparing to play.
• Dugout Assignment: For all games in NCLL, the home team takes the 3rd base dugout, and the visiting team takes the 1st base dugout.

  Equipment Checks  

Gloves

• Gloves for this level of player will be between 9-11 inches.
• Check your players’ gloves and ensure their names and phone numbers are on them.
• Advise the player’s parent if they are using inappropriate equipment.
• While specialty gloves (such as 1st base or catcher gloves) can be used, discourage their use at this level, as most are too large for Tee-ball players.

Bats

• Bats should be approximately 24-25 inches long and weigh around 11-16 oz.
• A batter should be able to hold the bat with only their left hand (if they are a right-handed batter) and move it slowly across their body on a level plane without dipping.
• Be on the lookout for bats that players picked because they look cool but are too big for them. Limit the use of oversized bats to their owners.

Helmets

• Check helmets for cracks or missing pads.
• Some players may have concerns about lice. If so, they can purchase their own helmet.
• Remember, as the manager, you have the final authority on safety-related matters. Any player-owned equipment must meet your satisfaction.

 Catchers Gear  

• Your equipment bags will have a complete set of catchers gear.
• Some players will love to catch, while others may want to avoid it. Try not to assign catching duties to a player who wants nothing to do with it during the first game.
• Encourage Mom or Dad to help their player get ready to catch while your team is up to bat.
• For safety, all catchers’ masks must have a dangler attached to be used in a Little League game. If you’re missing one, ask for a replacement or share a helmet with a dangler between teams until yours can be fixed.

  Final Thoughts  

While Tee Ball is a non-competitive division in Little League with no official scorekeeping, it’s important to recognize that individual and team successes and failures are inherent to sports. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Positive Perspective:

• At all times during the game, find the positive aspects of each play.
• Even if the ball sails over the first baseman’s head, acknowledge the effort and consider it a “strong throw” from the player.
• Remember that every strikeout involves at least some good swings or attempts.

Be an Advocate and Cheerleader:

• As the manager, be your team’s advocate and head cheerleader.
• Encourage players, celebrate their efforts, and create a positive atmosphere.

Parent Participation:

• Parents are welcome to participate in practices and game days at the Tee Ball level.
• However, anyone participating with the players on a regular basis must complete a background check and be cleared by NCLL to participate.
• Encourage willing parents to get involved; they are our future managers and coaches.