2005 LOCAL GROUND RULES
A-BALL
Coach's Guidelines
(For boys and girls age 6)
Our Single A division has the responsibility
to teach our young players the general fundamentals of the game while
keeping the game fun. We have developed the following general guidelines
to assist all coaches:
Field Layout and Positions
-- Don't assume that players at this age know and understand this.
-- Show and explain the field layout to them.
-- Let them play different positions during the game and during the
season.
-- Avoid keeping your best players on the pitcher's mound and at first
base.
-- All players should play the field even if the number of players
that you have exceeds 9; no player should sit the bench. Only 5 fielders
(including the pitcher) should be in the infield. All other players
should be placed in the outfield.
Batting
-- Coaches pitch to their own players; one coach also acts as a catcher.
-- Players get 6 swings to try to hit the ball then the tee is set
up; coaches should make sure that they have a batting tee at the game
before the start of the game.
-- There are no strike outs.
-- Use a continuous batting order; all players should bat each inning.
-- Runners advance one base at a time only; the last batter in each
inning may "round" the bases by agreement of the coaches.
-- If the opposing team records an out, the runner remains on the
base.
-- Helmets must be worn at all times (including runners on the bases).
Games
-- Games are no longer than 3 innings.
-- Games should not exceed 1 ½ hours. Coaches should use discretion,
especially early in the season when daylight is limited, and should
not begin a new inning if it cannot be completed under the circumstances.
-- Coaches should be on the playing field, not in the dugouts.
• GLocester,
Rhode Island ~ USA •
