TEE BALL
RULES
Tee Ball is a modified game for young people to learn the skills and enjoy playing the game
of softball. Skills demonstrated in the Tee Ball program include throwing and catching,
fielding ground and fly balls, hitting and baserunning, fielding positions and game play.
Teams
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A team consists of 9 players
Each class is split into 2 groups (or 3, as outlined on the “Competition Session” page)
Equipment
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Flexiball size 10.5” or 11”
Batting Tee –collapsible tee with adjustable height
Bat – should be length and weight suitable for the size (height/strength) of the players
Glove – each fielding player must wear a fielding glove
Game Time
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A game should last for approx 30 minutes (depending on session time available)
Each team member bats each inning – regardless of the number of outs
Try to complete a minimum two (2) complete innings
Strategy
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Teams take it in turn to bat and field (and “rest” if group numbers require)
All players should field and bat during the game
Ensure that fielding positions are rotated for the 2nd innings
Playing field
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The base paths shall be 12m apart
Coaching
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The coach is the umpire for the game/ staff members can keep score
Coaches are permitted on the field, but positioned behind the infield only
Coaches may not interfere with the ball in play, nor physically assist players
The coach or an elected player acts as the catcher and places the ball on the batting tee for each
batter.
(No outs to be made at home plate)
Batting
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All players bat
The batting tee should be placed in front of home plate (not on home plate).
When the ball has been hit, the batter must run to first base touching the “outside” section of the
double base.
To be safe, the batter-runner must touch first base before the ball thrown to the first base fielder on
the base.
Batter-runner can advance past first on outfield or infield hits, until the ball is fielded and thrown
towards a base.
Strikes
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A strike occurs when the batter swings and misses the ball on the tee
All foul balls are counted as strikes and after 3 strikes, the batter retires
Fouls
A foul occurs when:
 The batter hits more tee than ball
 The batter does not take a normal full swing when striking the ball (no tapping allowed)
 The batter hits the ball into foul territory (refer to playing field diagram)
Fielding
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The fielding team is spread between the infield and the outfield
Players rotate positions for the next innings (outfield move to the infield)
Play stops after the ball is fielded and thrown towards a base (base player does not have to catch
the ball)
Ball in play
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The ball is in play when the batter hits the ball into fair territory. (Refer to playing field diagram)
Players retired (out)
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A batted ball is caught on the full
A batted ball is fielded and thrown to 1st base before the batter arrives
The fielder with the ball touches the base before a forced runner
When a tag is made with the ball in the glove on any runner, whether the ball is held in the glove
or not after the tag.
Running bases
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A base runner may only advance when a team member hits a FAIR ball.
Base stealing is not permitted.
Base runners must advance if forced to do so by any advancing team members.
Unforced base runner may elect not to run when a team member hits a fair ball.
Base runners must keep their foot touching the base until the ball is hit off the tee.
Base runner may advance until the ball is thrown towards a base.
On a fly ball, base runners must stay in contact with the base until the ball is caught, touched by a
player or touches the ground before advancing to the next base.
Scoring
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Fielding Team – one (1) point for each out
Batting Team – one (1) point for each time Home Plate is reached