T-Ball Rules and Regulations

All managers and coaches must be Certified via Borough of Oakland requirements; and wear their Lanyard whenever they’re on the field in a coaching capacity.

Oakland Kindergarten T-Ball Rules and Regulations

2013 League Coordinator – Lou Renshaw (Click here to email

I. Purpose

  1. Teach and encourage good sportsmanship.
  2. Foster teamwork.
  3. Teach the basics of baseball/softball.
  4. Allow children to have fun and enjoy themselves. 

II. Eligibility

  1. All children must reside in the borough of Oakland.
  2. Players registered during annual sign-up period will be placed on a team. Late sign-ups will fill vacant roster slots on a first come first served basis. When team rosters are filled to a maximum of fourteen players, additional sign-ups will be placed on a waiting list.
  3. No child will be placed on a team’s roster without the approval of the league coordinator or the Baseball Commissioner. 

III. Conduct

  1. All players, managers and coaches must display good sportsmanship and conduct.
  2. Players must be in full team uniform (cap, shirt, and pants).
  3. Players not immediately participating in the game must remain in the bench area behind the screen.
  4. Players may not eat any food while the game is in progress.
  5. Players may drink only water during the game. Sports drinks and/or juices are allowed only at the discretion of the manager. No soda is allowed while the game is in progress.        
  6. Managers and coaches may not smoke at the Recreation Complex or Dogwood School Field. 

IV. Playing Rules

  1. There will be a maximum of 11 players and a minimum of 7 players on the field (see diagram).
  2. There will be a maximum of 2 coaches allowed on the field (see diagram). Coaches are on the field to position and instruct players. Once the ball is in play, coaches can only give verbal instructions. Coaches are not permitted to interfere with play.
  3. Child safety is a top priority. Helmets must be worn by all batters (including on deck); runners and as designated for certain positions.
  4. Players may swing bats only in areas designated by the managers or coaches. This area must be supervised at all times by an adult.
  5. The games are for instructional purposes only and will all end in ties. No score keeping is permitted.
  6. A half inning will consist of no fewer than six and no more than half the roster taking at bats, regardless of runs scored or outs made. No new innings may start after an hour and 15 minutes has elapsed.
  7. The batting roster must be a continuous batting order. All players must be in the batting order.
  8. All players should be given the opportunity to play every position. If, however, it is deemed for the safety of a child not to play a particular position, such should be discussed with the child’s parent.
  9. No child is allowed to play the same position for more than two innings in any game.
  10. All infielders must be within two feet of their positions; outfielders must be at least two feet onto the outfield grass.
  11. The batter must hit the ball to or beyond the Pitcher. Managers should draw a line on the field (see diagram) prior to the game so that players know when a ball is fair.
  12. No touching or pushing of the runner is permitted.
  13. Stealing is not permitted. Runners may advance on a batted ball only.
  14. Base runners must be in contact with the base until the ball is hit.
  15. Play stops once the ball is returned to the infield. It is not necessary for a fielder to have control of the ball.
  16. Only one base is given on an overthrow off the playing field.
  17. Players must be taught never to throw the bat or other equipment.
  18. Sliding is not permitted. Players sliding for a second time during a game should be called out. Runners must avoid contact with players on the field.
  19. Pitchers must wear a helmet with protective mask. Catchers must wear full gear – helmet, face guard, chest protector, and shin guards.
  20. Each manager should maintain a lineup card for the purpose of keeping track of player substitutions and at bats.

V. Miscellaneous

  1. During inclement weather, team managers must confer with the league coordinators and make a decision regarding play that is in the best interest of the players. This must take place at least 60 minutes prior to the scheduled game time. Games may not be cancelled without the approval of the coordinator or his designated backup.
  2. Games are cancelled immediately if any manager, coach or spectator sees lightning.
  3. In the event one team does not have 7 players at the scheduled start time, the opposing coach has the option of 'loaning' enough players to play the game or rescheduling the game with the league coordinator.