Brent Blankenship - T-Ball Coordinator
brent@nyaa.us

TeeBall is the entry sport to baseball and softball for young players, generally four to five years old. Members of two teams take turns hitting a ball off a batting tee set on home plate. Batters try to get on base and advance to home; fielders try to prevent that from happening. The elimination of pitching allows children to participate without the fear of being hit by a pitched ball. Tee ball develops the primary baseball skills of hitting, running, fielding and throwing. The players gain an understanding of the fundamental rules, which allows minimally competitive league play at the youngest age levels.

Tee ball is played in every state and territory and internationally. Participation is estimated at 2.2 million players, 65% boys and 35% girls. The sport's constituency includes organizers, directors, administrators and staff, coaches, officials, volunteers and the friends, parents and players from 18+ million American families with youngsters of tee ball age.

As the game is one of the first team sports for most children, there is a high level of adult support and enthusiasm. Tee ball has proven to be a natural transition into standard baseball and softball. As such, it provides a steady supply of young players already equipped with the basic skills and an enthusiasm for these sports.

Players will be rotated each inning from infield to outfield or outfield to infield to allow each child an opportunity to play both areas during each ball game.

NYAA T-BALL RULES

M. RULES SPECIFIC TO THE "T-BALL" AGE GROUP (4U)

1. This league is available to players who will be 4 years old during the calendar year.
2. Each team will consist of a maximum of 12 players. Any team that has more than 12 players will be at the discretion of the League Coordinator.
3. A ball game will consist of a full hour or 2 inning minimum.
4. No score will be kept.
5. There shall be no more than 6 players positioned in the infield. All other players will be positioned in the outfield. All players will play every inning.
6. Each team will bat around their lineup each inning.
7. Each player will be given 3 swings off the tee. Coaches have the option to pitch to the players. Players will be given 3 pitches to hit the ball. If the player is unable to hit the ball after 3 pitches, he/she will be given swings off the tee. This process help prepare the children for the 6U age group.
8. Metal cleats are not allowed.