Last Update: April 4, 2008
ROOKIE DIVISION (7-8)
FOCUS: HAVING FUN – COMPETITION
(Learning to Win with Grace and Lose with Dignity)

 SKILLS:
            1.                  Proper mechanics of throwing.
            2.                  Duties and skills of catching.
            3.                  Proper mechanics of hitting.
            4.                  Infield and outfield positions / backing up.

 RULES – PITCHING
            1.                  Distance - 30 feet.
            2.         The pitching shall be either the manager or coaching of the offensive team. 
                        The adult pitcher shall not participate as a defensive player and shall take action
                        necessary to avoid interference with the defensive player.  If the coach pitcher
                        is hit by a batted ball, it is considered a non-pitch and the ball is dead.  If the
                        coach pitcher is hit by a thrown ball by a defensive player making a play, then the
                        ball is dead, runners will return to their bases and the batter will be out.
            3.                  While the coach is pitching, the player playing the pitcher position shall keep one
                        foot in the pitcher’s circle.
            4.                  For the five (5) games, coaches will pitch:
                        a.         The coach will throw five (5) pitches.
                        b.                   If the batter does not hit one of these pitches, she will bat from the tee
                                    up to 2 tries.
                        c.                   The batter is out if no ball is hit into fair territory after these 7 tries.
            5.                  After the 5^th game, players must pitch:
                        a.                   Normal batting rules are applicable.
                        b.         If a youth pitcher delivers three (3) strikes, the batter is out.
                        c.                   If a youth pitches delivers four (4) balls (aka a base on balls), the count 
                                    is cleared (no balls, no strikes) and a coach from the batters team will 
                                    pitch two (2) pitches maximum.
                        d.                   If the batter does not hit one of the coach's two (2) pitches she is out.
            6.         After four (4) runs are scored, no new play can start
                        (no additional batters may come to the plate).
                        a.       You can score more than 4 runs (e.g. three (3) runs are in and the bases
                                are loaded, you could possibly score 4 more on the hit.)
            7.         In the final inning (any inning starting after 1 hour and 20 minutes of play):
                             Either team may score the greater of the application of the four (4)
                             run rule described above or one (1) more run than the opposing team.
            8.         Home team will keep track of the runs scored by inning (use of an official 
                        scorebook is optional).

RULES-PLAYERS
            1.                  Teams shall field a maximum of ten (10) players – 6 infielders and 4 outfielders.
            2.                  An official game can start with eight (8) players.
            3.                  All players bat and you must keep the original batting order.
            4.                  Late players will be added to the end of the line-up.
            5.                  Free substitutions are allowed defensively.
            6.                  No player can sit out more than one (1) inning consecutively per game.
            7.                  Catchers must wear protective gear.   Players warming up a pitcher must wear
                        a catcher's helmet.
            8.                  The ball is dead when return to catcher and she steps on the plate or to the pitcher
                        in the circle.  The umpire will determine what bases are to be awarded.

RULES- BATTING / BASE RUNNING / SCORING
            1.                  The number of batters shall equal the number of players on the larger team.
            2.                  The half inning is over when three (3) out are recorded or when the order has
                        batted around, whichever comes first.
            3.                  No stealing or leading off.
            4.                  No 3^rd strike dropped ball or infield fly rules.
            5.                  Only one base on an overthrow.  The umpire will determine what bases are to
                        be awarded.  If the ball goes out of play the runner advances to the next base.
            6.                  No Bunting is allowed.
            7.                  Runners can not steal home plate (home plate is cold) .