Rules - Coaches Guide
(Download PDF Version)
OBJECTIVES:
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To have fun.
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For everyone to
participate.
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To learn
fundamentals and improve skills in baseball.
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To learn good
sportsmanship.
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To provide a
safe learning environment for all players.
CONDUCT:
All adults, both coaches and
parents, are expected to show good sportsmanship. Be as supportive
as possible. Praise them for making a good effort as well as when they
do well. Opponents should be treated respectfully. Do not allow your
players to use abusive or discriminating language. Correct children who
laugh, make fun, or make negative comments toward other children. At the
end of the game both teams line up and shake hands.
'Good game' or some other like
praise should be used. Instruct players not to use negative comments
such as 'bad game.'
SCHEDULE:
Senior League games start
promptly at 5:30pm on weeknights. Games are scheduled Monday
through Thursday and 1:00, 3:00 or 5:00 on Sunday. Fridays are reserved
for make up games. Please refer to schedule for specific dates and
times. For cancellations and other scheduling policies see scheduling
guidelines.
ROSTERS:
Team rosters are determined by a
draft of all eligible players. All new players will be rated at tryouts
and players returning to league will be evaluated by coaches prior to
draft, preferably at end of previous season. All coaches will
participate in draft with League Coordinator as facilitator and two
members of the board who have no affiliation with particular league. The
coordinator and two members of the board will vote to resolve any
conflict that coaches cannot agree upon. See draft guide.
PARTICIPATION:
As stated above, a primary objective
is to provide all players with an opportunity to participate as much as
possible. Coaches should make every effort to allot playing time as
equally as possible. In the Senior League, position play is more
restricted than in Junior League. Ball players begin to develop specific
skills associated with certain positions and moving players around is
not as prevalent as in the younger age groups. Players should be given
the opportunity however, to try different positions if they are willing
and able. Players must play a minimum of four
innings per any one game and everyone must sit out an equal amount of
time. In the event a player does not play his
or her four scheduled innings because of time or weather, the coach will
start that player in the team’s next game.
COACHING:
Coaches in Senior
League must keep the objectives of the league in mind. First and
foremost kids should be having fun. Please be as positive as possible
and refrain from negative reinforcement. No yelling or berating players
for mistakes; rather, instruct players on how to correctly perform the
skill. Secondly we want our coaches to teach the fundamentals of
baseball. Coaching does not mean carrying around a clipboard and keeping
track of the score. Enlist the help of another parent to keep track of
who is playing and where. We want the coaches teaching during games as
well as practices. There are many situations that occur during games
that are hard to duplicate in practice. Explain to your players what to
do in these situations. In every play in baseball, players should be
made to think ahead; what to do if the ball is hit to them, how many
outs, whether to tag up, etc. It is up to the coaches to keep the
players on their toes! Remember, be active and positive!!
GENERAL RULES:
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In addition to the following, the Senior League
follows the general rules of Little League Baseball.
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Pitchers can pitch a maximum of 2 innings per game
and 6 innings per week..
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If a pitcher throws one pitch it is considered an
inning.
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Pitchers will be replaced after four consecutive
walks or a total of 6 walks per inning.
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No pitcher can pitch on consecutive days.
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Pitchers will be replaced after hitting 3 batters.
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Stealing: First half of the season, runners can
advance if the ball passes away from the catcher and
remains in play. The runners may advance up to ONE BASE ONLY, but
not to HOME PLATE. The second half of the season Little League Rules
will be in effect.
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Umpires: League coaches and assistant coaches will be
scheduled to umpire either behind the mound or plate (Ump’s
discretion) without receiving compensation.
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Runners must avoid contact on all plays. At the
umpire’s discretion a player may be called out for making contact
with a defensive player.
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No head first sliding unless going back to a base.
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A maximum of six runs per ½ inning is allowed. The
only exception is the 6th inning during which there is no
run limit.
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Tied games: Games can end in a tie. If extra innings
interfere with the next game on a Sunday, the game will be stopped.
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No standings will be kept.
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Playoffs: A playoff round will be scheduled at the
close of the season. Coaches are expected to maintain an atmosphere
that is fun for the children and are cautioned to curtail
competitiveness which is not congruent with the league’s objectives.
