O.R.B.A. 2007 T-Ball Rules

1. "T" ball shall consist of (5) innings (Time limit is 1 hour 30 min. and an inning will not start in the last 15 minutes).  Time limit is from the scheduled start time not the actual game start time.

2.  There are NO strikeouts

3. A hit ball must travel at least (10) feet.  No bunting is allowed.

4. Each team must bat in rotation of their respective roster.

Note:  A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when failing to bat in proper turn. 

5. The catcher must wear catchers equipment (except catchers mitt – the player can use his own).

6. The pitcher must stay in the pitchers circle (both feet) until ball is hit.  An attempt must be made to throw the ball to first base or bases.  No rolling the ball across the infield at any time.  Pitcher in circle must make a throw to 1st base if in circle; if not, he can make a play.  If the pitcher breaks this rule the runner will be called safe.

Note:  The pitchers circle will be 10 feet in diameter and 46 feet from home plate.

7. The pitcher must wear a caged batting helmet.

8. Bases shall be placed 50 feet apart.

9. No leading off or stealing until ball is hit.

10. Play shall stop immediately if a player is injured.

11. No throwing of bat!

Note:  One team warning is permitted.  The next batter caught throwing his/her bat will be called out.  Batter is allowed to carry bat down first base line, but must drop it before stepping on first.

12. If a base runner has clearly advanced more than half way to the next base prior to time or dead ball being called, the base runner will be awarded the base he/she was advancing to.

13. There shall be a limit of 10 batters per inning (10th batter rule will be in effect).

Note:  "10th batter rule"- both team managers and the umpire shall be notified when the 10th batter in a given inning comes up to bat.  The inning is over and no further runs will score when the fielder with the ball touches home plate, or makes an out.  If the umpire and manger are not notified when the 10th batter comes to plate, the batter will be called out and no run will score.

14. Dead ball/when play is stopped.

a) Ball becomes dead when umpire calls "time".
b) Play is stopped immediately if a player is injured.  See Rule 10.
c) Time is called to return ball to batting tee/play is stopped when the ball is placed on batting tee.
d) Play is stopped when the ball is thrown in close vicinity of the pitcher circle in an "attempt" to stop play.  Pitcher must be in pitchers circle.  Umpire decision.  Play is stopped when pitcher makes attempt to catch ball.
e) The play will be dead as soon as the first attempt  to make a play with the ball has been done. This will prevent the constant running of bases and teach the kids to make a play to the correct base.

15. Each team is allowed to field 10 players (6 infielders and 4 outfielders).

Note:  Outfielders can play no closer than 6 feet behind infield bases

16. 1st and 3rd base coaches must remain 5 feet from bases to avoid interfering with base runners and defensive players.  Base runner will be called out if touched by coaches.

17. No Mercy Rule.

18. Each player must play at least 2 innings in the field.

19.
A)  A minimum of 7 players are required to play a legal game (must provide a pitcher).

B) A team with a full roster will play a minimum of 10 players, 4 outfielders, and 6 infielders.

20. An attempt must be made to throw the ball to first base or bases.  No rolling the ball across the infield at any time.  Pitcher in circle must make a throw to 1st base if in circle; if not, he can make a play.

21. Player interference in base line/runner out of base path.

A) Player will be called out if he/she runs 3 ft outside either side of the line to avoid a tag.