HRCLL FARM A
Please remember this is a developmental level. Please make sure that players are allowed and encouraged to try different positions on the field and in the batting order.
There will be plenty of time in the future for them, and you, to play to win.
General
Minimum league age is 6 to participate in this division.
Level 5 Saf-T-Soft balls are to be used at all times in this division.
All players must be in uniform (hat, jersey, pants (no shorts), socks, and sturdy shoes (no Crocs or open-toed shoes).
Catchers must wear a cup. Uniform shirts must be tucked in.
Game Length & Scoring
Official score is NOT kept during the regular season as this is more of a developmental league.
There is a 90-minute game time limit. No new inning will start after 90 minutes. If an inning starts before the time limit, then it will be completed.
The five-run rule will apply and there is no “mercy” rule.
Field Prep
Both teams are responsible for raking out the field and cleaning up garbage after the game. Also, both teams should work together to prepare the field for games on
Saturdays. Portland Parks will line the fields on weeknights.
Fielding
It is ok to play with as few as 7 players in this division. If any fewer, then the teams must reschedule.
Maximum 10 defensive players on the field at any one time, 9 is preferred. If there is a tenth player, then he/she should be a rover in the outfield. Players must play one of the nine designated positions of baseball. In other words, this is no longer tee ball.
Coaches are encouraged to be on the field (limit 3) to assist with direction when your team is playing defense.
It is okay to teach players, especially those in the outfield, to cover empty bases and back up throws. However, at this level we should be teaching the players to move back to
his/her designated position after the play is completed. They should not “camp out” on the bag or in the basepath.
Batting
All players on the roster will bat in order until there are three (3) outs OR five (5) run limit has been reached. When either of these is met, then the sides will change at that
moment. The batting order will continue on from the point in the order where the last batter was retired in the previous inning. If a player must leave, then their batting
position will be skipped. No other penalties will apply.
Stealing of bases, leading off, and bunting are not allowed in this division.
Base runners are to stop at the base they are approaching once the ball crosses the plane of the infield. Base runners may advance one base on an overthrown or missed
ball. If a runner tries to advance after the ball breaks the play, they must return to the base they were advancing from.
Pitching
The game will be played with “Coach Pitch” at all times. Each batter will get three good strikes, which the pitching coach will call out as strikes so it is clear to both teams what
the current count is. It okay to allow for five “good strikes” early in the season for players who need it, but coaches should strive to get all kids down to three “good strikes”.
During coach pitch, one knee is acceptable, but not required. The coach should pitch at the rubber or just in front of it. Please try to throw the ball on a line. Try to avoid “lobs”.
There is absolutely no side toss, underhand toss, or use of a tee during the game.
Coaches should pitch from a bucket of balls to speed the game along. Try to keep the bucket from interfering with ground balls, players, etc.
Beyond pitching, coaches are to not touch the ball. They can direct players, but they should not run to a base or the plate to cover a position.
All coaches will pitch from a 40ft mound.