Instructional Division Baseball Rules

The rules outlined herein are to provide guidance and instruction to Pembroke Youth Baseball “Instructional Division” for Pre-K and Kindergarteners and for coaches and players to administer a fun and safe baseball program.  “Instructional Division” baseball’s goal is to continue to introduce and improve player’s basic baseball fundamentals of throwing, catching, hitting and base running. Fun, safety, sportsmanship should be the priority.  Coaches are required to participate enthusiastically and provide positive and constructive encouragement when needed to foster the player’s development and enjoyment of the sport. When on the field, Coaches of all teams are to act as a positive role model for all players and parents and assist when needed in encouraging positive behavior and providing baseball instruction for all players regardless of what team they are on. 

• The “game” is scheduled for 90 minutes, this time should be split with a portion dedicated to practice either both teams together or each team practicing separately but sharing the field.  Coaches will discuss when the “game” portion will start, typically the time is split in half but as the season progresses there is more game time and less practice time, this is determined at the start of the scheduled game.   Games normally last 3-4 innings allowing each player 3-4 at-bats.  
• At least 1-2 coaches from each team will be needed on the field.  The Batting Team’s coach will pitch to their team and if possible, another coach will collect the balls at the backstop.  The field team should have 1-2 coaches assisting in the field.
• There will be a pitcher, 1st baseman, 2nd baseman, short-stop, and a 3rd baseman.  All remaining fielders must play on the outfield grass.  These players should rotate around between outfield and infield between the innings.  
• Unless postponed by the division director for weather or at some other circumstance, games shall be played according to the league schedule. 
• Rules are subject to change and additional rules may be added pending approval from the league as the season progresses.

• This is a coach-pitch only division. Coaches will pitch to their own team from approximately 25-30 feet away from home plate, overhand pitching is encouraged but the use of underhand pitching can also be used. The use of a batting tee can be used if necessary to ensure the hitter is able to put the ball in play, but the hitter should first attempt to hit a “pitched” ball by going through 10-12 pitches before the tee is used. Batting tees are encouraged to be used as an instruction tool during the practice portion.



• For the “game” portion, each team will be allowed to bat through their entire order in an inning.  
• Balls, strikes and outs will not be recorded.  Batters will continue to attempt to hit until they have hit a ball in play.  Players are encouraged to try to get the hitter out at first base, but the hitter will stay on the base and be a base runner no matter the outcome of safe or out.  There are no doubles or triples and only the last batter of the inning can run around all the bases for a homerun.  Existing base runners will run “station to station” before the last batter is announced by the batting team then all runners on base will continue to home plate.      
• All players are to remain in the dugout while their team is at bat.  One player is allowed at the plate to hit, and one player will be allowed in the “on deck circle”.

• Runners can leave the base once the ball is hit.  
• Defensive players without the baseball are not allowed to impede the baserunner.

• Baseball bats must be “USA Baseball Approved” and stamped accordingly.  Bats are not allowed in the dugout.  They should be placed on the fence outside of the field of play or inside the on-deck cage.
• PYBS will provide hats and jerseys.  Each player should have athletic, baseball, or sweatpants and gym shoes or baseball cleats.  Cleats are allowed but not required.  Shorts are not recommended for games.  Players should have their own water bottle and wear sunscreen and bug spray for games/practices.
• Softcore “Flexi” baseballs will be used for this league.  Each team will be given 12 balls to be used during games/practices.  
• Batting helmets are required when at bat and running the bases.
• Recommended Bat Size for this Age Group is 22-24 inches and Recommended Glove Size for this Age Group is 10-11 inches.