NNLL T-BALL (BASEBALL) GUIDELINES
Playing Field Guidelines
1. The field of play is shared by an infield and an outfield and is separated into fair and foul territory.
2. The diamond is a square with a base at each corner; the tee ball field dimensions are 50 feet between
the bases.
3. The playing line is an imaginary line running between first base and third base. It can also be an arc,
a curved circle extending out 40 feet from the point of home plate.
4. The center of the tee ball pitcher's area is 38 feet from the point of home plate.
5. The outfield is the wide area of the playing field beyond the diamond and most distant from home plate.
6. If there are any outfield fences, they shall be 115-125 feet from the batting tee.
7. The foul lines extend from home plate past first and third bases. Fair territory is the playing field within
and including the foul lines; foul territory is the area outside the foul lines.
9. A foul strike area is within an imaginary or drawn arc between the baselines, 10 feet out from the
batting tee.
Duration of Game: T-ball games will last no more than 4 innings. If no midweek practices are scheduled, it
is recommended that the two teams playing hold a practice before hand, and continue on with a 3-inning
game, with a total recommended playing time of 1 hour, but not to exceed 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Start of Play: A coin toss will determine which team is up to bat first. All players, coaches and sports
leaders will meet before the game to be reminded of the spirit of the game and values of the NNLL, as well
as, after the game to shake hands.
Equipment: Players should wear athletic clothes, athletic shoes, and bring their own glove. Tees, 1 bat,
balls, and helmets will be provided (helmets must be worn when at bat, and a child’s own hat is
recommended to be worn under the helmet). For safety reasons only, one bat per team will be allowed, and
we ask that players do not bring their own bats to the game.
Tiny Tees T-Ball Guidelines - Pre k = 4 and 5 Year Olds
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The ball is placed on the tee by the offensive Coach-Catcher.
Each play should finish with a throw to the Coach-Catcher.
Batters are not permitted to bunt.
Players are not permitted to steal or lead off bases.
There is no infield fly rule, walks or strikeouts.
Runners will advance one base at a time once the ball is hit.
a. Base Coaches (parent volunteers) should be at each base to instruct players were to go and stop.
7. Teams will bat throughout the order before changing sides regardless of the number of outs,
(even if the team has not reached three outs, teams will still switch from batting to fielding).
When the batter is out, he/she returns to the team bench.
NNLL T-Ball Rules
1
created 12/2010
8. A half-inning consists of every batter on the entire team batting once. The half inning will end
when all team members have batted. The last batter will clear the bases, then teams switch.
9. Each player will play the entire game. Fill the natural 9 positions first. (1st, 2nd, 3rd, Pitcher,
Catcher, Shortstop, Left Field, Center Field, Right Field). If you have 10 or more players,
place the remaining players in the outfield.
10. Batters and base runners must wear helmets at all times. A child’s own hat is recommended to be
worn under the helmets.
11. Each player must be placed or be given the opportunity to be placed in different defensive positions
each inning.
12. Fielders must stay behind an imaginary or real 40 foot arc from home plate, before the call is hit.
13. Players’ parents are encouraged to actively participate in the game.
14. Coaching is encouraged during the course of the game. The game may be stopped at any point
upon completion of a play by a Coach, to instruct individuals on certain fundamentals of the game.
15. No score will be kept. We emphasize having fun and fundamental skill development.
K/1st T-Ball Guidelines – K/1st = 5 and 6 Year Olds (7 yrs by request)
1. The ball is placed on the tee by the offensive Coach-Catcher. As skill levels progress, players may
take pitches from the offensive Coach-Pitcher (only if both teams agree). The player may take
up to three pitches from the offensive Coach-Pitcher before placing the ball back on the tee.
2. One of the offensive Coaches will act as the Catcher. The Player-Catcher will start behind the screen
and be involved in any play at home plate. Player-Catcher must wear a mask and helmet. Each
play should finish with a throw to the Catcher, who then in turn throws the ball to the Pitcher-Coach.
3. Batters are not permitted to bunt.
4. Players are not permitted to steal or lead off bases.
5. There is no infield fly rule, walks or strikeouts.
6. Teams will bat throughout the order before changing sides regardless of the number of outs,
(even if the team has not reached three outs, teams will still switch from batting to fielding). When the
batter is out, he/she returns to the team bench.
7. A half-inning consists of every batter on the entire team batting once. The half inning will end when
all team members have batted regardless of whether there are base runners remaining. The last
batter goes until play is stopped, then teams switch.
8. Each player will play the entire game. Fill the natural 9 positions first. (1st, 2nd, 3rd, Pitcher, Catcher,
Shortstop, Left Field, Center Field, Right Field). If you have 10 or more players, place remaining
players in the outfield.
9. The batter is out on a thrown bat, for sliding, or being tagged out. Base runners may not advance.
10. Batters and base runners must wear helmets at all times. A child’s own hat is recommended to be
worn under the helmets.
11. Each player must be placed or be given the opportunity to be placed in different defensive positions
each inning.
12. Fielders must stay behind an imaginary or real 40 foot arc from home plate, before the call is hit.
13. Two volunteers from the defensive team will be permitted to coach from the field. One in the infield
and one in the outfield. At no time can the Coaches physically participate in the game (except when
pitching & catching.) Offensive base coaches (volunteers) may be positioned at first and third base.
14. Coaching is encouraged during the course of the game. The game may be stopped at any point
upon completion of a play by a Coach, to instruct individuals on certain fundamentals of the game.
15. No score will be kept. We emphasize having fun and fundamental skill development
NNLL T-Ball Rules
2
created 12/2010