FALL BALL RULES
As we are getting ready to start our Fall Ball Season, we wanted to send a handout home of the rules for Fall Ball. Fall Ball is an instructional program, the rules are a little different than during the regular spring season. We want every player to have the opportunity to try new things and develop skills along the way. The Fall Ball rules that we have established in years past helps to facilitate these goals.
Here are some house-keeping items for the upcoming season beginning
• IT IS ALL ABOUT THE KIDS - it is not about the managers or coaches, have fun, play fair and ensure the kids learn and get better.
• THERE ARE NO WINS and LOSSES, no records are kept.
• Fall Ball is Instructional - Managers can be on the field to help coach and instruct as needed, however keep in mind you are working to get the kids ready for Majors and Minors in the Spring.
• We will use a continuous batting line-up for Fall Ball for both Majors and Minors - no more than one time through the order per inning.
• No player will sit out more than 1 inning per game
• Games should be no more than 2 hours or 6 Innings (2 hours will be tough towards the end of the season due to light)
• All players will be given the opportunity to play every position throughout the season. This is not the regular season where a player is designated for a "position" for the season and catches or plays first base all game every game. Mix up the line-up every game and give the kids a chance to play every position and bat early and late in the order.
• Pitchers should not pitch more than 2 innings per game. Give everybody a chance to try or sharpen his or her skills at pitching.
• Umpiring – It is the responsibility of the Home Team to provide the umpire for each game. Fall Ball should be umpired by a qualified parent or coach/manager (qualified means they have submitted a Volunteer form this calendar year, and have attended an umpiring clinic previously or have umpired in the past. Fall Ball can be umpired from behind the pitchers’ mound, however we prefer to have them behind the plate to gain experience. We will be happy to train any parent or coach that wants to learn, 2 are preferred but 1 is ok.
• Field Maintenance – BOTH TEAMS are responsible for SET UP and TAKE DOWN of the fields. The fields need to be raked, bases installed and removed after last game, dugouts swept and trash picked up after each game. Please ask your parents to help with this and ensure they understand how to rake correctly as to not build up dirt on the first and third base lines.
• All fields and roll-up shed should be locked after the last game, please take it upon yourself to ensure you double check that no gates are left open and/or unlocked.