Aussie T-Ball Rules
AN OVERVIEW
Aussie T-Ball is nationally recognised by Baseball Australia and affiliated State Associations, the Australian Sports Commission and Major League Baseball as baseball’s junior entry point program to introduce children to the game of baseball.
Team Size
- Six (6) players a side (possibly 5 or 7).
- If there are five (5) players the coach acts as the catcher. (As skill level is developed team sizes can be increased to nine (9) players).
Batting
- The ball is not pitched in Aussie T-Ball – instead it is batted from a tee.
- A hitter may have as many swings as they require in hitting the ball into fair territory.
Innings
- An inning is completed when every player on the batting team has completed a turn at bat.
- In each inning, the lead-off hitter becomes the sixth hitter in the next inning, and subsequent hitters will move up one spot in the line up so that every hitter has the chance to lead-off an inning.
Fielding
- All fielders rotate fielding positions each inning in the following manner:
1. Pitcher becomes catcher 2. catcher becomes 1st base 3. 1st base becomes 2nd base 4. 2nd base becomes 3rd base 5. 3rd base becomes shortstop 6. Shortstop becomes pitcher.
Base Running
- So that fielders are encouraged to throw, runners may advance no further than the base they were heading to when the first throw is made.
- Once a runner turns back toward a previous base they are entitled to that base only.
A Player is Out When:
1. A batted ball is caught on the full 2. A player in possession of the ball stands on the base before the runner arrives 3. A runner between bases is tagged by a fielder with the glove or hand which is holding the ball.
Umpiring
- Where an umpire is used (often the coach of the batting team) he or she is to be positioned behind the home plate.
- Where no umpire is used, any disputes on outs are settled by the players using ‘Rock Paper Scissors’.
- It is preferable that no coaches are on the field with the players – let the children play.
- Before ‘Play Ball’ is called, allowing the ball to be hit:
1. The pitcher must be on the pitching plate; and 2. The catcher must be behind home plate, in the catcher’s box; and 3. No fielders may be inside the base paths; and 4. The runner must be in contact with the base plate.
Inclusion
- It is recommended that teams adjust their play to encourage the inclusion of participants with a disability. Refer to the online club development kit for further advice.
